Keywords: Food Security, Genetically Modified TELA Maize,  Pest-resistant crops,  Environmental issues, Health and Economic Concerns

TELA maize is a genetically modified (GM) variety engineered to withstand drought and resist pests, particularly the maize stem borer and fall armyworm. This variety promises significant benefits for improving crop yields and enhancing food security. Although it is being approved for cultivation in some African countries like Nigeria and South Africa, its acceptance varies across regions like Europe, America, China, and India due to public perceptions and different regulatory requirements. There are concerns regarding its cultivation and consumption, spanning environmental, health, economic, and socio-political issues. This article summarizes those concerns

1. Environmental Concerns
   • Biodiversity Loss:
     • Gene Flow: There is a risk of TELA maize cross-pollinating with non-GM maize varieties, potentially leading to the loss of genetic diversity in local maize crops. This could make local maize populations more vulnerable to diseases and pests in the long term.
     • Impact on Non-Target Species: The insecticidal proteins expressed by TELA maize could affect non-target organisms, including beneficial insects such as pollinators and natural pest predators. This disruption of the ecosystem balance could have unforeseen consequences.
   • Resistance Development:
     • Pest Resistance: Continuous exposure to the insecticidal proteins in TELA maize can lead to the development of resistance in target pests, such as the maize stem borer and fall armyworm. This would reduce the long-term efficacy of TELA maize and necessitate the use of additional pest control measures, potentially including more chemical pesticides.
2. Health Concerns
   • Allergenicity and Toxicity:
     • Unknown Allergens: There is concern that the genetic modifications in TELA maize could introduce new allergens or toxins that were not present in conventional maize.
     • In any genetic engineering or modification, there are very remote possibilities of mutation or translocation of genes that may result in genetic disorders that can lead to various genetic disorders like cancers or fertility issues.
     • Rigorous testing is still required to ensure that TELA maize is safe for human consumption.
3. Nutritional Changes:
   • Altered Nutrient Profiles: Genetic modifications can inadvertently affect the nutritional profile of the maize. There is a need for comprehensive nutritional assessments to ensure that TELA maize meets the dietary needs of consumers.
4. Economic Concerns
   • Cost of Seeds:Affordability:
     • GM seeds, including TELA maize, are often more expensive than conventional seeds. Smallholder farmers, particularly in developing countries, may find it challenging to afford these seeds, potentially exacerbating economic disparities.
   • Dependence on Seed Companies:
     • Seed Monopoly: The use of patented GM seeds can lead to increased dependence on a few large agribusiness companies for seed supply. This could reduce farmers’ control over their seed choices and increase their vulnerability to price fluctuations and supply disruptions.
5. Socio-Political Concerns:
   • Regulatory and Ethical Issues:
     • Regulatory Approval: The approval process for GM crops like TELA maize varies widely across countries. Some countries have stringent regulations and require extensive safety assessments, while others may have less rigorous standards. This inconsistency can lead to confusion and mistrust among consumers and farmers.
     • Ethical Considerations: The ethical implications of genetic modification in crops are a subject of debate. Concerns include the potential for unintended consequences, the right to informed choice for consumers, and the moral aspects of altering the genetic makeup of organisms.

     6.   Public Perception and Acceptance:

• Consumer Acceptance: There is significant public skepticism and opposition to GM crops in many regions. Misconceptions and lack of awareness about the science behind genetic modification can fuel resistance to TELA maize, impacting its adoption and marketability.

• Labeling and Transparency: The demand for clear labeling of GM foods is growing. Consumers want to know whether the products they are purchasing contain GM ingredients, and the lack of transparent labeling can lead to mistrust and rejection of GM crops.

7. The experiences in other climes

a. Europe: In Europe, genetically modified (GM) crops, including TELA maize, face stringent regulations and widespread public skepticism. The European Union (EU) has a rigorous approval process for GM crops, and only a few have been authorized for cultivation. As of now, TELA maize is not approved for cultivation in the EU, reflecting the region’s cautious stance on GM crops.

b. America: In the United States, the regulatory environment for GM crops is more favorable. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) work together to regulate GM crops. While TELA maize has not specifically been mentioned in U.S. regulatory approvals, similar drought-tolerant and pest-resistant maize varieties have been approved and are widely cultivated. The general acceptance of GM crops in the U.S. suggests that TELA maize could potentially be approved if it meets the necessary regulatory criteria.

c. China: China’s approach to GM crops is mixed. The country has invested heavily in biotechnology and has approved several GM crops for import, but domestic cultivation approvals have been limited and cautious. As of now, TELA maize is not approved for cultivation in China. The government maintains a cautious stance, partly due to public concerns about food safety and environmental impact.

D. India: India has a complex and highly regulated approach to GM crops. The country has approved GM cotton but has been more hesitant about approving GM food crops. TELA maize is not currently approved for cultivation in India. Regulatory bodies in India are still evaluating the potential benefits and risks associated with GM food crops, including considerations related to biosafety, food security, and public health.

E. African Context : In Africa, TELA maize has found more acceptance. Nigeria and South Africa have approved its cultivation, recognizing its potential to improve food security by addressing challenges like drought and pest infestations. In Nigeria, the approval was granted after extensive research and evaluation repotedly carried out by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) and other regulatory bodies.

Conclusion

While TELA maize may offer promising solutions to agricultural challenges, particularly in regions prone to drought and pest infestations, its cultivation and consumption are accompanied by various concerns. These include potential environmental impacts, such as biodiversity loss and the development of pest resistance, health risks associated with consuming GM crops, economic issues like market dependence on a few biotech companies, and socio-political challenges related to public acceptance and regulatory policies. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive risk assessments, transparent regulatory processes, and effective communication with all stakeholders. Balancing the potential benefits with the associated risks is crucial. In Europe, USA, China and India: TELA maize has not been approved for cultivation and consumption due to regulatory frameworks, public perceptions, and environmental considerations. Therefore, a careful and well-regulated approach is required in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.