By Charles Igwe
The Catholic Diocese of Jalingo has expressed strong concerns regarding the environmental and health risks associated with improved seedlings. Bishop Charles Hammawa, in a statement titled “The Hidden Dangers of Improved Seedlings: Why We Must Preserve Our Local Varieties,” emphasized the importance of maintaining local crop varieties. The statement was jointly signed by Bishop Hammawa and Rev. Fr. Clement Ignatius Tiba, Coordinator of the Justice, Development, and Peace Commission of the Diocese.
The diocese voiced its disappointment over the release of improved seedlings, criticizing the strategy as contrary to the principles of integrity. “As a Church, we are concerned about our people’s socio-economic and political freedom,” the statement read. “While the Church welcomes scientific and technological advancements to improve human life, she is also interested in upholding integral human development, sanctity, and integrity. Recent advancements are, however, questionable in preserving these ideals.”
Bishop Hammawa advised the government to carefully consider the potential consequences of relying solely on improved seedlings to boost agricultural practices and yields. “While they may promise higher yields and disease resistance, they also pose significant risks to our environment, health, and local traditions,” he remarked.
Amid concerns over the adoption of genetically modified crops (GMO) in Nigeria, the federal government recently launched Tela maize, a GMO crop promoted as a solution to the country’s food security challenges. However, this move has faced criticism regarding its safety, environmental impact, and potential effects on the country’s sovereignty, food security, and economy.
The diocese highlighted several challenges associated with improved seedlings, including the loss of genetic diversity, decreased flavor and nutritional content, and unknown long-term effects on human health and the environment. “Improved seedlings can lead to: loss of genetic diversity, making our crops more vulnerable to disease and reducing their ability to adapt to changing conditions; decreased flavor and nutritional content, compromising the quality of our food; unknown long-term effects on human health and the environment along with other negative effects,” the statement noted.
Bishop Hammawa stressed that Nigeria should not become overly dependent on foreign-manufactured seeds for sustainable food production. “Over-dependence on these foreign chemical laboratory-manufactured seeds can result in eventual slavery; one cannot preserve it for another farming season, among other negative effects,” he warned.
The statement further praised the benefits of local seedlings, which have been selected and adapted over generations to thrive in specific climate and soil conditions. These benefits include:
- Resilience and adaptability, requiring minimal external inputs.
- Rich genetic diversity, ensuring long-term sustainability.
- Nutrient-rich and flavorful, providing wholesome organic food for communities.
- Preservation of cultural heritage and traditions.
Bishop Hammawa urged the federal government not to abandon local seedlings for short-term gains but to preserve and promote local varieties, support sustainable agricultural practices, and embrace the country’s cultural heritage and traditional knowledge. He called on Nigerians to collectively work towards a healthier, more resilient food system that will benefit communities and the environment for generations to come.
