Researchers are confusing us with GMO, hybrid seeds, say farmers...

The Nigerian farmers under the aegis, All Farmers Association of Nigeria ( AFAN) have cried for a rescue over the superiority of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) and hybrid seeds that are being bred by our researchers saying the situation is very confusing.

This statement was made by a member of AFAN, Mr. Christ Onwuka last week Thursday at the national workshop organized by Coalition of Organic and Agroecological Organization in Nigeria where the issue of GMO in our farming system was totally condemned for not being healthy as quality food.

Mr. Christ Onwuka said that farmers want more clarity in view of organic and Agroecological farming saying that " farmers are confused because the same scientists who recommended GMOs are the same condemning it. Yesterday I was at a function where genetically modified maize called "Tela" was being recommended for farmers, and today the same scientists are condemning the same for organically produced seeds. Now farmers are in the middle confused. It is important we let the farmers know exactly what to do"

Unwuka stressed the need for a meeting purposely for the awareness creation for farmers as researchers are telling us to grow hybrid and GMO seeds while organic practices is saying its own with agroecology to prevent climate change challenges.

Meanwhile the stakeholders have converged to provide pragmatic recommendations that will be helpful for seamless operation of organic and Agroecological farming in the country with a need for standard practices through legislation.

Also suggestions were made for the recommendation to be presented at all the national council meetings of all the Federal Ministries especially Agriculture where approval is given to proposals for execution.

Speaking at the event, the National Coordinator, Organic and Agroecology Initiative ( ORAIN) Prof. Olugbenga Adeoluwa stressed that organic and agroecological farming produce are more competitive in global markets for their quality in terms of rich nutrients to the body, but added there is a need to ensure standard practices in Nigeria.