For perfect health, know your Onions

Do you like onions? Most people do. The reason is so simple. Onions are among the healthiest foods you can eat. Rich in the most essential nutrients onions are so healthy it’s perfectly appropriate to remark that an onion a day may help keep the doctor away!

If you know your onions, you’ll know they are very high in the group of health beneficial compounds known as polyphenols, which play an important role in preventing and reducing the progression of diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases.

What are polyphenols? They play an important role increasing the ratio of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which is important for health, weight management, and disease prevention.

Onions are an excellent source of heart-healthy, cancer-fighting quercetin and are surprisingly high in beneficial polyphenols, which play an important role in preventing and reducing the progression of diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases.

As medicinal food, onions are more potent than garlic or leeks because they contain one of the best sources of a type of polyphenol called flavonoids, especially the flavonoid quercetin.

Onions are used for treating wide range of ailments including digestion problems and loss of appetite, upset stomach, and gallbladder disorders; for treating heart and blood vessel problems including chest pain (angina) and high blood pressure; and for preventing “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis). Onion is also used for treating sore mouth and throat, whooping cough, bronchitis, asthma, dehydration, intestinal gas, parasitic worms, and diabetes.

Some people use it as a diuretic to increase urine output. Onions might help reduce cholesterol levels, a risk factor for hardening of the arteries. There is some evidence that onions might also reduce lung tightness in people with asthma.

Health benefits of onions include their role in substantially possessing curative value since ancient times. Even the World Health Organization confirms that onions are beneficial for people with a reduced appetite and those suffering from atherosclerosis.

 Health experts acknowledge the fact that onion provides great respite for patients with chronic asthma, allergic bronchitis, common cold-related cough and cold syndromes. Here are some of the most common health benefits:

Good Oral Health: Onions are often used to prevent tooth decay and oral infections. Chewing raw onions for 2 to 3 minutes can potentially kill all the germs present in the oral area and surrounding places like the throat and lips.

Immune System Strength: The phytochemicals that are present in significant amounts in onions act as a stimulant to vitamin C within the body. The efficacy of vitamin C, and subsequently your immune system, is boosted when you eat onions, since it supercharges your immune system against toxins and various foreign bodies that can lead to disease and illness.

 Treatment for Heart Ailments: Onions act as anticoagulants, also known as blood thinners, which in turn prevents the red blood cells from forming clumps. These blocks and clots can lead to heart disorders or cardiovascular diseases.

Manage diabetes: Onions contain chromium, which is a relatively unusual mineral to find naturally in food. Chromium helps the body manage blood sugar levels and ensure a slow, gradual release of glucose to the muscles and the body cells. Therefore, eating onions can help modulate your blood sugar levels, which is vitally important for diabetic patients.

Used as insect repellent: The smell of onions also causes insects to flee, which is why onions can be used as insect repellents as well as a form of sting treatment.

Prevention of cancer: Onions are rich in active compounds that successfully inhibit the development and spread of cancerous cells. Quercetin is a very powerful antioxidant compound that has been consistently linked to the prevention or reduction of the spread of cancer, they have a significant amount of quercetin! Vitamin C is also a strong antioxidant, which can reduce the presence and impact of free radicals throughout the body. Free radicals are the chemical byproducts of cellular metabolism, and they can cause healthy cells to mutate into cancerous cells.

 Relieving earache: A few drops of onion juice may actually prove immensely beneficial to individuals suffering from acute earache. The ringing sound in the ear may be cured by applying onion juice through a piece of cotton wool.

Glowing skin: Onion juice mixed with honey or olive oil is said to be best treatment for treating symptoms or signs of acne. Onions are also notorious anti-inflammatory vegetables, so the active compounds in onions can reduce the redness and swelling that is commonly associated with skin conditions like acne.

Treatment for cough: Consuming an equal mixture of onion juice and honey can relive sore throats and coughing symptoms.

 Boosts sexual drive: Onions are said to increase the urge for a healthy sex life. One tablespoon of onion juice along with one spoonful of ginger juice, taken three times a day, can boost the libido and sex drive.

 Treatment of anaemia: Even anaemic conditions can be improved by eating onions along with jaggery and water, because this adds to the mineral content of the body, especially iron, which is an essential part of producing new red blood cells. Therefore, anaemia, also known as iron deficiency, can be prevented by having a health amount of onions in the diet.

Relieves Stomach Aches: Onions have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that give relief to upset stomach and other related gastric syndromes. This is due to the saponins that can be found in onions. These saponins have anti-spasmodic capabilities that ensure that stomach disturbances do not continue and that your bowels are clear and smoothly functioning.

Treating urinary disorders: For those suffering from a burning sensation during urination, onions can provide considerable relief. People suffering from this condition should drink water boiled with 6 to 7 grams of onions.

Stay Healthy, Know your Soybeans

Soybeans are high in protein, and are also a decent source of both carbs and fat. Soy foods are rich in vitamins and minerals including folate, potassium and fiber.

Soybeans have a wealth of health benefits, including the ability to improve the metabolism, help people gain weight in a healthy way, protect heart health, defend against cancer, reduce the effects of menopause, improve digestive health, promotes bone health, protect against birth defects, increase circulation, decrease the risk of diabetes, and generally tones up the body.

It helps to regulate a number of aspects of the metabolism, which should be able to help in reducing sleep disorders and the occurrence of insomnia. However, soybeans also have a high content of magnesium, which is a mineral that is directly linked to increasing the quality, duration, and restfulness of your sleep.

There are several products gotten from soybeans, they include; soy cheese, soy yogurt, soy nut butter, soy sauce, soy oil, soy milk and  soy ice cream. Which ever way its taken, the benefits still remain.

Soybeans contain antioxidants and phytonutrients that have been linked with various health benefits. Some of these benefits are;

Metabolic Activity

 
Soybeans are an extremely important source of protein. When you have enough proteins in your body, then your metabolic functioning and overall system will get a major boost.
Proteins are the building blocks of cells and blood vessels and basically every essential part of the human body. Proteins from soybeans ensure the proper health and regrowth of cells if they need to be repaired or replaced.

Prevention of Breast and Prostate Cancer

 
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in modern society. Eating soy products has been linked with increased breast tissue in women

However, most observational studies indicate that consumption of soy products may reduce the risk of breast cancer. Studies also indicate a protective effect against prostate cancer in men.

Healthy weight gain

 
Soybeans and soy-based products have been associated with appetite suppression, which can help people eliminate overeating, which can lead to obesity and all of the related risks.
However, soybeans also provide a decent amount of fiber and protein, which can help lead to weight gain, if soybeans are eaten in large quantities. Therefore, soybeans are beneficial for people that want to both lose and gain weight. Furthermore, the weight that it can provide your body is not unhealthy high-fat or high cholesterol in nature, which protects you from dangerous conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Alleviation of Menopausal Symptoms

 
Menopause is the period in a woman’s life when menstruation stops. It is often associated with unpleasant symptoms, such as sweating, hot flashes, and mood swings, effects that are brought about by a reduction in estrogen levels.

Studies indicate that isoflavones, a family of phytoestrogens found in soybeans, may alleviate the symptoms of menopause. Soy products do not affect all women in this way. Soy only seems to be effective in so-called equol producers, women who possess a type of gut bacteria able to convert isoflavones into equol. Equol has been suggested to be responsible for many of the beneficial health effects of soy consumption.

Bone Health

 
Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by reduced bone density and increased risk of fractures, especially in elderly women. Consumption of soy products may reduce the risk of osteoporosis in women that have undergone menopause.

 

Digestive Health

 
Soybeans are rich in fiber which is one of the most common elements to be lacking in a person’s diet. Fiber is an essential part of a healthy body, particularly in terms of the digestive system. Fiber actually bulks up your stool, making it move through your digestive system smoothly. Furthermore, fiber stimulates peristaltic motion, which is the contraction of the smooth muscles that pushes food through your system. Fiber is vital to our bodies because constipation can be a very serious condition that can lead to more serious conditions, including colorectal cancer.

Birth Defects

 
The vitamin B complex levels in soybeans is high, and the high levels of folic acid are very important for pregnant women. Folic acid ensures the prevention of neural tube defects in infants, which ensures a happy and healthy baby.

Circulation and Oxygenation

 
Copper and iron are two minerals found in abundance in soybeans, and both of these are essential for the formation of red blood cells. With an appropriate amount of red blood cells in the body, extremities of the body and essential organ systems can get the blood flow and oxygen that they need to function efficiently. This maximized metabolic activity and increases energy levels, while also avoiding dangerous conditions like anemia.

ADVERSE EFFECTS AND INDIVIDUAL CONCERNS

 
Even though soybeans have a number of health benefits, some individuals need to limit the consumption of soy products, or avoid them altogether. There are some potentially negative health effects of consuming soybeans as a part of your diet.

Suppression of Thyroid Function

 
There are concerns that high consumption of soy products may suppress thyroid function in some people and contribute to hypothyroidism. The thyroid is a large gland that regulates growth and controls the rate at which the body expends energy.
Studies indicate that isoflavones, found in soybeans, may suppress the formation of thyroid hormones in humans.

Estrogen Levels

 
There are estrogen-mimicking compounds in soybeans, men can occasionally develop a hormonal imbalance if they consume high amounts of soybeans or soy milk, for example. In men, this can lead to infertility, sexual dysfunction, lower sperm count, and even an increase in the chances of certain cancers.

Flatulence and Diarrhea

 
Like most other beans, soybeans contain insoluble fibers, mainly raffinose and stachyose, which may cause flatulence and diarrhea in sensitive individual.
Although not unhealthy, these side effects of soybean consumption can be unpleasant.

Goiters

 
There are certain anti-thyroid compounds contained in soy that can disrupt the activity of the thyroid gland and result in goiters, as well as an interruption of normal hormonal activity in the body.

Soy Allergy

 
Food allergy is a common condition, caused by a harmful immune reaction to certain components in foods. Some people are allergic to soybeans and need to avoid them altogether.

Its best you know your body system and know what it can take.

Besides these effects, which is seen in just a few people, soybean is a healthy and beneficial choice of food.

Eat healthy, live long!

Cucumber; Health and Nutritional benefits

There are so many reasons to eat cucumbers all year long. With vitamin K, B vitamins, copper, potassium, vitamin C, and manganese, cucumbers can help you to avoid nutrient deficiencies that are widespread among those eating a typical American diet.

Cucumbers belong to the same plant family as squash, pumpkin, and watermelon. Like watermelon, cucumbers are made up of mostly (95 percent) water, which means eating them on a hot day can help you stay hydrated.

Cucumbers contain unique polyphenols and other compounds that help reduce risk of chronic diseases and much, much more.

There are many ways to enjoy cucumbers, such as fermented or raw in vinegar-based salads. If you’re looking for something different, cucumbers make an ideal base for your vegetable juice due to their mild flavor and high water content.

When you drink fresh-made green juice, it is almost like receiving an intravenous infusion of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes because they go straight into your system without having to be broken down.

Here is a breakdown of some health benefits of cucumber;

Protects the Brain

 
Cucumbers contain an anti-inflammatory flavonol called fisetin that appears to play an important role in brain health. In addition to improving your memory and protecting your nerve cells from age-related decline, fisetin has been found to prevent progressive memory and learning impairments in mice with Alzheimer’s disease.

Reduce Risk of Cancer

 
Cucumbers contain polyphenols called lignans (pinoresinol, lariciresinol, and secoisolariciresinol), which may help to lower risk of breast, uterine, ovarian, and prostate cancers. They also contain phytonutrients called cucurbitacins, which also have anti-cancer properties.

Fights Inflammation

 
Cucumbers may help to “cool” the inflammatory response in your body, and animal studies suggest that cucumber extract helps reduce unwanted inflammation, in part by inhibiting the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes (including cyclo-oxygenase 2, or COX-2).

Antioxidant Properties

 
Cucumbers contain numerous antioxidants, including the well-known vitamin C and beta-carotene. They also contain antioxidant flavonoids, such as quercetin, apigenin, luteolin, and kaempferol, which provide additional benefits.

Freshens Breath

 
Placing a cucumber slice on the roof of your mouth may help to rid your mouth of odor-causing bacteria. According to the principles of Ayurveda, eating cucumbers may also help to release excess heat in your stomach, which is said to be a primary cause of bad breath.

Manage Stress

 
Cucumbers contain multiple B vitamins, including vitamin B1, vitamin B5, and vitamin B7 (biotin). B vitamins are known to help ease feelings of anxiety and buffer some of the damaging effects of stress.

Supports Digestive Health

 
Cucumbers are rich in two of the most basic elements needed for healthy digestion: water and fiber. If you struggle with acid reflux, you should know that drinking water can help suppress acute symptoms of acid reflux by temporarily raising stomach pH; it’s possible that water-rich cucumbers may have a similar effect.

Cucumber skins contain insoluble fiber, which helps add bulk to your stool. This helps food to move through your digestive tract more quickly for healthy elimination.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

 
Cucumbers are very low in calories, yet they make a filling snack (one cup of sliced cucumber contains just 16 calories). The soluble fiber in cucumbers dissolves into a gel-like texture in your gut, helping to slow down your digestion.

Supports Heart Health

 
Cucumbers contain potassium, which is associated with lower blood pressure levels. A proper balance of potassium both inside and outside your cells is crucial for your body to function properly.

Other benefits include;

• Fights heat, both inside and out. Eat cucumber, and your body gets relief from heartburn. Apply cucumber on your skin, and you get relief from sunburn.

• Flushes out toxins. All that water in cucumber acts as a virtual broom, sweeping waste products out of your system. With regular use, cucumber is known to dissolve kidney stones.

• Lavishes you with vitamins. A B and C, which boost immunity, give you energy, and keep you radiant. Give it more power by juicing cucumber with carrot and spinach.

• Supplies skin-friendly minerals: magnesium, potassium, silicon. That’s why cucumber-based treatments abound in spas.

• Aids in weight loss.

• Revives the eyes. Placing chilled slices of cucumber on the eyes is a clichéd beauty visual, but it really helps reduce under-eye bags and puffiness.

• Stabilizes blood pressure. Patients of blood pressure, both high and low, often find that eating cucumber brings relief.

• Smooths hair and nails. The Silica mineral in cucumber makes hair and nails stronger and shinier.
• Soothes muscle and joint pain.

• Keeps kidneys in shape. Cucumber lowers uric acid levels in your system, keeping the kidneys in good shape.

• Good for diabetics.

Please feel free to share your experience on cucumber and comment on any other value and health benefit not mentioned.

Yobe Cultivates Special Grass for Livestock

The Yobe State Government has introduced the cultivation of new species of exotic grass to mitigate against the high cost of livestock feed.

Speaking to journalists yesterday, the Programme Manager of Yobe Livestock Pilot Development Programme (YLPDP), Dr. Mustapha Gaidam, said with economic recession and high cost of animal feeds, the state government had to take the option of cultivating different species of special grasses to feed livestock.

He said the increase in cost of livestock feeds was as a result of high foreign exchange rate.

He said: “We have introduced nappier, centrosema and stylothensis grass as well as lablab and mucuna beans. The programme has also established demonstration farms to identify favourable areas for mass production of these livestock grass.”

He further disclosed that the grasses which are rich in nutritional values but not common in the state, would be planted to improve animal feeds across the state.

He added that: “Livestock farmers will also be trained on cultivation of the grasses.”

He expressed optimism that the cultivation of the grasses would check the massive migration of herders and cattle breeders in search of pastures and water points.

Gaidam said this would also improve the production of rich and healthy beef and dairy products in the state and boost economic prosperity.

NCAN Raises Alarm Over Encroachment of Foreigners Into Cashew Farms

The National Cashew Association of Nigeria, NCAN, has raised alarm over the encroachment of foreigners into cashew farms across the country.

Nigeria produces about 150,000 metric tonnes of cashew annually and is rated fourth largest producer of cashew nuts in Africa and seventh in the world.

Speaking at the 2016 National Cashew Trade Administration meeting of the association in Ogbomosho, Oyo, NCAN President, Mr. Tola Fasheru, said: “The encroachment of foreigners has been causing distractions for local farmers, and the consequence of this is low quality of products, reduced value at the international market and most importantly lower purchasing power for the Nigerian farmers..

He averred that, “The encroachment into cashew farms by foreigners is inimical to the value chain system and cuts off our locals from participating in the trade. Expatriates are positioned in the bushes to buy directly from the farmers thereby taking away the much needed jobs from our people. If our people cannot buy produce what else do you want them to do?’

Fasheru noted that the international market expects 8.0 percent moisture in the cashew for the best quality and when cashew is not well-dried, it is difficult to achieve this quality and such low quality of product will spoil the image of this country.

According to him: “We want our farmers to dry their cashew to eight percent at the farm gate and at the earliest time so that it will meet the international standard and if all these are done well, farmers will earn more, the country will earn more and most importantly the interest for Nigerian cashew in the international market will continue to increase”

Also speaking at the meeting, former governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao Akala, frowned at the practice of foreigners bombarding the farm gates to buy cashew and said this should stop now.

He said this poses big risk to the nation especially in this age of security concerns. He appealed to the association to do its best in ensuring that cash crops return as the major foreign exchange earner for Nigeria now that the country is moving away from a monolithic economy

IFAD Calls for Policies to Encourage Private Investment in Nigeria, Others

Youth unemployment, insecure land tenure and weak value chains are the main obstacles in the way of ending poverty and inequality in West and Central Africa, a new report by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) has stated.

The report unveiled in Abidjan yesterday noted that youth under the age of 35 account for 75 per cent of the population of the region which also has the highest number of rural youth than any other region in the world. Empowering youth is the first step towards achieving prosperity in the region, says the report.

“The lack of social and economic opportunities for the large number of young people in the region is the principal driver of migration, Vice-President of IFAD, Michel Mordasini said.

“However, by making the right investments – to improve infrastructure, secure land tenure and facilitate their access to finance and training – we can capture the labour and energy of the young generation to transform rural areas into vibrant places to live and work,” he added.

The Rural Development Report 2016: Fostering Inclusive Rural Transformation is a rallying call for policymakers and development practitioners to win the global war against poverty.

This systematic and rigorous analysis of the rural sector gives a greater understanding of what key investments and policy reforms should be prioritized to transform rural areas in developing countries so that people and nations can benefit.

Attracting private investment into agriculture and the rural non-farm economy is vital, states the report, adding that many agricultural regulations in Africa, actually serve to deter rather than encourage such investment.

“Reforming the regulations that limit private entry and investment in value chains that serve smallholder farmers must be a priority,” the report emphasised.

According to the report, food systems are changing rapidly to meet the rising demand and shifting diets of middle-class urban consumers from grains to dairy, fish, meat and vegetables. In addition, continued rapid growth of imports shows that there is space for local farmers to grow their businesses if they can produce competitively.

“Rural transformation is a powerful way to overcome poverty,” the Regional Director, West and Central Africa Division, IFAD, Ides de Willebois said.

“We need to develop rural areas in Africa where people are willing to invest, which then will enable them to produce more, to attain a marketable surplus that can be sold at a profit and provide them with the resources to improve their livelihoods and reinvest.”

Benue Widows Excel in Farming Through Group Savings

Justina Ya’apera is a middle-aged widow in Anyiin, Logo LGA in Benue State and proud owner of 40 bags of soya beans, which could fetch her over N400, 000 given the current price of the produce at N12,000 per bag.

She produced the 40 bags from a loan of N10,000 she got through group savings and N20, 000 micro credit from Bank of Agriculture and Gboko Micro Finance Bank in a number of circles, which she has already paid.

The widow is a member of Akanawe women group in Anyiin with 100 members trained and mentored through the federal government and International Fund Agriculture Development (IFAD) Rural Finance Institution-Building Programme (RUFIN), which seeks to reach out to poor rural people.

The programme ensures that the rural poor gain access to financial services and can invest in improving productivity in agriculture and small businesses.

With group savings of N60,000 to N80,000 monthly, a member could get a soft credit to either expand her farm and/or undertake business depending on how much she saves.

Martha Aba’a is another member of the Akanawe (yam farmers’ women association). Her little monthly saving of N500 to N1,000 with the group, along with the micro credits she got through RUFIN linkages, was able to invest in yam production.

Today, “I harvest over 1,000 big tubers of yam from my farm,” she said.

In Ugba, a widow who gave her name as Mrs. Esther is a volunteer under the RUFIN programme. Esther’s job is to help other women to form groups with the aim of imbibing group savings and lending culture.

Her two years of helping women come together resulted in the formation of over 10 women groups, saving from the little they make from their farms and agro-enterprises. These groups lend to themselves depending on how much you save in the group, one could get loan facilities from N5,000 to N50,000.

Another widow, Mrs. Agara while telling her emotional story, recounted how life was miserable for her family before receiving the FG/IFAD capacity building on group formation and saving culture.

The widow has so far mobilised over 100 women into 15 groups in her ward helping them to save their widow’s mite and lending to each other. She told the IFAD supervision team that “I have expanded my soya beans and yam farms, and have now gone into selling cloths too.”

Some of the groups they help to form, like the Nongo Sisters and Kakuli women groups, made up of financially challenged women and widows are taking the lead in changing the economic situation around their families and learning how to empower themselves.

Mrs. Elizabeth Adam of the Nongo Sisters listed the group’s challenges to include more access to financial institutions in order to expand their production base.

As RUFIN winds up next year, the Central Bank (CBN) and International Fund Agriculture Development (IFAD) are already putting in place strategy to sustain rural financial inclusion for the poor smallholder farmers in states willing to key into the programme.

BAUCHI WHEAT FARMERS GET SEED, WATER PUMPS

The Flour Millers Association of Nigeria has donated wheat seeds and water pumps to wheat farmers in Bauchi State to help them increase production.

The farm inputs donated to the farmers include 250 50kg bags of wheat seeds and 250 water pumps.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Yusuf Mahmood, commended the Flour Miller for assisting wheat farmers in the state with some needed inputs which, he said, was a good encouragement.

The commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alhaji Sule Adamu, said the move would also encourage the state government in its drive to involve the private sector to implement some of its policies in various sectors.

The state director of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Muhammad Yusuf, told the farmers that they should embrace wheat farming as unlike before, there is a huge demand for the commodity locally and internationally.

The chairman of Bauchi State Wheat Farmers Association, Muhammad Juli Adamu, commended the Flour Millers for assisting his members with the inputs.

FG Agency to Introduce GM Rice, Beans, Sorghum

The first set of genetically modified crops approved by the Federal Government is to be released in the country in two years, the National Biotechnology Development Agency has said.

The Director-General, NABDA, Prof. Lucy Ogbadu, disclosed this at a special session of the Open Forum for Agricultural Biotechnology held at the Ministry of Communications in Abuja on Wednesday.

Ogbadu named the crops that would be released in two years as rice, beans and sorghum.

According to her, the crops are currently going through the final trial prior to their release by selected farmers.

She explained that the new rice had been fortified with genes that make it nitrogen efficient, water efficient and salt tolerant.

The bean, on the other hand, has genes that make it pest-resistant so that the farmer can enjoy a good harvest. The sorghum, on the other hand, is fortified with minerals and vitamins.

The NABDA boss said, “The products that are in the pipeline have been carefully selected to meet the needs of our people. Biotechnology is not really new. It enables the introduction of genes that may not be in an organism for the benefit of mankind.

“Some genetic modification allow for the introduction of insect-resistant organisms so that a crop can do well. It takes about 10 years to ensure the safety of genetically modified organisms.

We have lost out in many other technologies. We should not lose out in this technology to take care of hunger in the land.”

Ogbadu said even though no genetically modified product had been approved in the country, she added that she was not worried about any GMO product that might have entered the country illegally, because there was no record of any bad effect of GM products anywhere in the world.

RE-ON THE GENETICALLY MODIFIED RICE

Last year, the Federal Government approved the research for the Nitrogen-use-efficiency, water-use-efficiency and salt tolerant (NEWEST) rice variety project at the National Cereal Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi, Niger State as part of the overall strategy to end rice importation by 2017 and promote food security in the country

Government’s decision was based on the fact that farmers in the country and across Africa are experiencing low yields resulting in high rice imports in SSA where over 40 per cent of the rice consumed is imported. The average grain yield in Africa (2.2 t/ha) is below the world average (3.4 t/ha) by 49 per cent and several factors account for this low yield.

Soil nitrogen deficiency has been cited as a major constraint to rice production. Nitrogen deficiency is mostly acute in the highly weathered upland areas where an average yield of only one tonne per hectare, which is about 25 per cent of yield potential, has been recorded. Also, nitrogen is difficult to retain when applied in lowland areas due to floods and flowing water that characterise such areas.

A major concern that constraints rice production in nitrogen deficient soils is the inability of farmers to buy fertilisers to address this constraint, and when they buy, they can hardly afford the required rate for optimal yield. Improving the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of rice is one means of overcoming these limitations.

Similarly, drought has been identified as a major limiting factor in rice production in SSA where about 80 per cent of rice farms traditionally depend on rainfall. The farmers are often resource constrained, and cannot afford irrigation systems. With the utilisation and application of water use efficient (WUE) component, the rice will require less water and this will offer an appreciable coping mechanism against drought.

Also, high salinity is increasingly becoming a major problem in rice growing areas of the coastal lowlands and mangrove swamps.

So principally, the ongoing rice research at Badeggi is to address the above stated constraints which over the years, conventional breeding methods have not been able to tackle.

The editorial has raised questions on the absence of the critical mass of qualified scientists to undertake genetic engineering as well as their ability to handle such high level technology.

But the question to ask is whether genetic modification is more of a high level science than stem cell or other form of science that researchers at Nigerian universities have attained accolade and honour for their works in such areas.

Yes it is right to say Nigeria is not like America that is so versed in research but that was the same kind of argument presented when Nigeria ventured into nuclear technology, a technology that one accident can kill every living thing within certain radius, but 10 years after we have forged on and their fears have not come to pass.

What were the nation’s manpower potentials when our first satellite, NigeriaSat 1 was launched? We all remembered that after the launch, Nigerian scientists were able to build, launch and control NigeriaSat X in orbit.

The Guardian can send its reporters to the research centres across Nigeria and investigate their capacity. It is denigrating to question the patriotism of loyal and dedicated researchers who in view of all odds have not only continue to thrive but challenge and contest all honours and awards with their counterparts in other parts of the world.

The good thing about science and technology be it GM, nuclear or satellite is that, it is universal. Yes agreed that we may not have all the facilities but that does not mean we should not do what we can with what we have.

The Director-General of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Dr. Rufus Ebegba did not threaten to shut the research institute if it fails the next round of preliminary trials, because he does not have such powers. He can only stop the research which is just one of the many researches the institute is undertaking.

Ebegba did not say the statement below attributed to him. “GMO rice is a strain that has been modified genetically to increase micronutrients like vitamin A, accelerate photosynthesis, resist pests, tolerate herbicides, increase grain size, generate nutrients or flavours and produce human proteins.”

Your editorial also raised so many questions including: Is such genetically modified rice, therefore, safe, since the modification already alters its composition? Like irradiated food, that doesn’t expire, the question is whether such product is still safe for human consumption. How long then would the rice last? Or would it last forever? Are GMO products biodegradable? These are critical questions that should be answered.

These questions may not even arise if we understand what the NEWEST rice is all about but for the avoidance of doubt, it has nothing to do with the fears expressed as it won’t differ from the rice in the market currently. The only difference is that its genetic composition is altered to accommodate or withstand drought, high soil salinity, Nitrogen deficiency among others.

There is no possibility of horizontal gene transfer and it is not possible for gene transfer between rice and millet as the editorial noted.

The fears about altering the natural process of degradation does not even arise as before a GMO product is released it must meet health, environment, ecology and other standards which are observed worldwide.

Nobody has ever said that GM will solve Nigeria’s food problem, emphasis had also been on the fact that GM is a tool that can assist in the provision of safe and healthy food for Nigerians.

The statement on whether Nigeria is prepared to do the necessary research as far as genetic modification is concerned can only be postulated by someone who lacks basic knowledge of the human capacities in our research institutes. The GM beans project had progressed successfully in the last 10 years in the country under the supervision of Nigerians scientists at the Institute for Agriculture Research, ABU, Zaria. The introduction of genetic engineering may be one of the antidotes capable of reviving most of the research institutes said to be comatose.

The essence of the whole exercise was reinforced by the former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs. Winifred Oyo Ita at the inauguration of the research that “the main role of science in agriculture has been to help generate novelties that allow us to produce more with less land and less effort”.

Abutu is of the Programme for Biosafety System.Abutu is of the Programme for Biosafety System.