AATF Assures Nigeria’s Food Security through Adoption of Climate-Resilient TELA Maize

• Nigeria is not at immediate risk of food shortages if farmers adopt improved, climate-resilient, and pest-resistant seeds such as TELA Maize.

• TELA Maize is genetically engineered to withstand drought and pest pressures, addressing major challenges in Nigerian agriculture.

• Seed technology can contribute up to 30% of a crop’s yield potential, making improved seeds essential for food security.

• The seed is available nationwide through licensed distributors, encouraging farmers to test it firsthand.

• Farmers in Kaduna have reported significantly increased yields, early maturity, and reduced reliance on pesticides.

• Positive feedback highlights the seed’s drought resistance, fertilizer responsiveness, and enhanced productivity.

• AATF remains committed to expanding access to such technologies to boost yields and ensure sustainable livelihoods.

The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) has reassured that Nigeria’s food security remains secure, provided farmers adopt advanced seed varieties like TELA Maize, known for its climate resilience and pest resistance. Mr. Olawale Ojo, Hybrid Seed Market Development Manager at AATF, emphasized the pivotal role of improved seed technology, which can enhance crop yields by up to 30 percent.

TELA Maize, genetically tailored to resist drought and pests, is already proving successful under real farming conditions in Kaduna State. Farmers who have embraced the variety report remarkable improvements, including faster maturation periods and significantly higher harvests compared to traditional seeds.

Local farmers like Malam Sabitu Abdullahi and his wife Aminat have doubled their maize yield while reducing pesticide use, reflecting the variety’s robust pest resistance and compatibility with fertilizer. Similarly, young farmer Ismail Shaibu and experienced cultivator Saleh Ahmadu attest to the crop’s durability and productivity gains.

Encouraged by this overwhelmingly positive feedback, AATF is dedicated to facilitating widespread access to improved seed technologies, thereby empowering Nigerian farmers, mitigating food insecurity threats, and fostering sustainable agricultural communities.