From his farm in Niger State, farmer Tamiru Danbaba shares his excitement. “Since 2018, I’ve been cultivating maize and soybeans, but I’ve never seen a variety like TELA Maize. The results have been outstanding.” He further explained, “TELA Maize has reduced my costs on farm chemicals. It withstood the long dry spell in July and August, which devastated other farms. Many farmers lost their crops to drought and pests, but my field remained healthy and productive.”
Danbaba is one of many farmers in Niger State who have embraced TELA Maize since its commercial launch in June 2024. Known as a “triple-protected” variety, TELA Maize is resistant to fall armyworm, stem borer pests, and is drought-tolerant. Praising these qualities, Danbaba added, “TELA Maize resisted the pests that typically affect conventional maize. I estimate that this year, my yield per hectare increased by 25–30 percent compared to previous years”.
Mr. Tamiru Danbaba, who has been farming maize and soybean for the last decade, feels that he has found remarkable success with TELA Maize, a genetically modified (GM) variety.
Like many, Danbaba initially heard the skepticism surrounding TELA Maize after its launch in Nigeria this past June. Yet, despite this, he decided to take a chance on the crop, and his decision paid off with an abundant harvest that surpassed his previous yields.
Beyond the impressive yield, TELA Maize has saved Danbaba significant money on pesticides. “Unlike last year, where we sprayed continuously to fight off fall armyworm, with TELA Maize, we only had to spray once, and even then, it was only preventative. It’s a relief to see a crop that doesn’t get ravaged.”
With this success, Danbaba’s financial situation has improved significantly. “Thanks to the bumper harvest, I can now consider moving my family from a rented house to one we own. I’m also planning to enroll my children in private schools for better education,” he said.
Inspired by these results, Danbaba has committed to expanding his TELA Maize cultivation. “I plan to increase my farm from 20 hectares to 30 or even 35 hectares, as my income and livelihood have both improved.”
About AATF (www.aatf-africa.org)
Founded in 2003 to address Africa’s food security prospects through agricultural technology, AATF believes that the agricultural sector is a key foundational pillar as Africa consolidates its economic growth and carves out its new position as a major global economic powerhouse and the next growth market in the world. It was formed in response to the need for an effective mechanism that would facilitate and support negotiation for technology access and delivery and formation of appropriate partnerships to manage the development & deployment of innovative technologies for use by smallholder farmers in SSA:
For further information. Photos and video contact:
Alex Abutu, Communication Officer (West and Central Africa) AATF. (+2348068701960) a.abutu@aatf-africa.org
