Farmers in the centre of Africa’s most populous country fight a silent war against pests, unpredictable weather, degraded soil, and diminishing harvests. Despite abundant fertile land, Nigeria still imports food to feed its expanding population.
Thanks to this environmentally responsible, science-driven method, Nigerian farming is improving. In Nigeria, agricultural biotechnology is no longer a sci-fi idea; it is now a solution for problems like increasing farm yields and preventing pest infestations without using herbicides.
According to Rose Gidado, director of the agricultural biotechnology department at the National Biotechnology Development Agency, “Biotechnology offers new tools for increasing agricultural productivity and protecting food crops from climate changes such as heat, floods and drought.”
What is Bio AgTechnology?
The combination of biological research and agricultural practice is known as bioagri-technology. It comprises technologies that increase farm resilience and productivity, such as precision farming, biological pest management, biofertilisers, and genetically modified seeds. These technologies are particularly important in areas impacted by climate change.
Despite its natural potential, Nigerian agriculture faces systemic problems:
One of the leading innovations is genetically engineered seeds, such as Tela maize varieties, which are drought-tolerant and pest-resistant. These seeds are specifically designed for local conditions, making them ideal for Nigeria’s agroecological zones.
Decades of intensive farming have depleted Nigerian soil nutrients, lowering agricultural productivity and harming the environment. Biofertilisers, using beneficial microorganisms, offer a sustainable solution. These microbes restore soil health by fixing nitrogen, solubilising phosphorus and potassium, and promoting plant growth. Unlike synthetic fertilisers that damage soil structure, water quality, and biodiversity, this natural approach enhances root development and plant growth. Biofertilisers foster a balanced and resilient agroecosystem.
Nigerian farmers using biofertilisers report improved soil texture, enhanced drought resilience, and reduced input costs. These benefits highlight biofertilisers’ potential for soil revitalisation, increased crop production, and sustainable agriculture in Nigeria.
Utilising natural enemies such as helpful fungi (Trichoderma) and bacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis), biocontrol is a sustainable method of controlling pests. Unlike synthetic pesticides, these biopesticides preserve pollinators and beneficial soil species while selectively targeting dangerous insects. They limit human exposure to contaminants, lessen chemical runoff into waterways, and promote long-term ecological equilibrium. Nigerian farmers who want safer, more efficient pest management and healthier crop results increasingly use this technique.
Precision technology and modern bioagriculture go hand in hand. Applications and sensors enable farmers to track weather patterns, optimise water use, and monitor soil health. By combining biology and data, Nigerian agriculture is becoming more intelligent, quicker, and predictable.
Despite its promise, biotech adoption in Nigeria faces hurdles:
To move forward, we must invest in:
In Nigeria, BioAgri-technology transcends mere agricultural expansion; it embodies a holistic approach to cultivating a more sustainable and prosperous future. This innovative field focuses on enhancing crop production through biological and technological advancements, fostering farming practices that are more efficient, environmentally conscious, and beneficial to the nation’s rural communities.
It’s about nurturing the land, safeguarding public health by reducing reliance on harmful chemicals, and creating economic opportunities that uplift those who form the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
The escalating challenges of climate change, marked by unpredictable weather patterns and increased environmental stress, coupled with a rapidly growing population demanding more food, underscore the critical necessity of embracing BioAgri-technology. The central question for Nigeria is no longer whether to incorporate these advancements into its agricultural practices, but rather to determine the most expeditious and equitable means of doing so.
This necessitates a comprehensive strategy that ensures all stakeholders, from smallholder farmers to large-scale agricultural enterprises, can access and benefit from the transformative potential of BioAgri-technology. By prioritising inclusivity and fostering knowledge sharing, Nigeria can pave the way for a resilient and sustainable agricultural system that secures food security, promotes environmental stewardship, and drives economic growth for generations to come.
