Country coordinator of the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB), Rose Maxwell, says Nigeria spends over ₦268 billion on agrochemicals annually, chemicals that in turn damage farm soils.

Ms Maxwell, who is also the deputy director of the National Biotechnology Development Agency, on Tuesday in Yola, said the issue urgent government attention.

“Annually, Nigeria spends about ₦268 billion on the purchase of agrochemicals just to control farm insects and weeds.

“This shows that annually, Nigerian farmers are pouring millions of litres of chemicals on Nigeria’s soil

“The effect of the chemicals on human health and the environment is an issue of great concern,” Ms Maxwell said.

She said the rampant use of agrochemicals contributes to climate change, thus causing environmental catastrophes such as excessive heat, floods, among others.

According to Ms Maxwell, agricultural biotechnology is the only solution to help in controlling pests and sharply cut down the unnecessary high cost of insecticides.

(NAN)