Ethiopia approves cultivation and commercialization of GM corn to boost agricultural productivity

ETHIOPIA – Ethiopia has approved the commercial cultivation and commercialization of genetically modified (GM) maize “Tela maize”, marking a significant advancement in its agricultural sector.

This decision, announced by the National Variety Release Committee (NVRC), marks a pivotal moment in Ethiopia’s efforts to enhance food security, increase crop yields, and improve resilience against climate change and pests.

The approval of Tela maize, a drought-tolerant and pest-resistant variety, comes after a rigorous seven-year evaluation process led by the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR).

Tesfaye Disasa, national coordinator of the Tela Maize project at EIAR, highlighted the potential of this GM crop to transform Ethiopia’s maize sector.

“Tela maize is designed to address critical challenges such as drought and pest infestations, which have historically constrained maize production in the country,” he said.

According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Ethiopia produced an average of 10.6 million tonnes of maize annually between 2020 and 2023, while domestic consumption averaged 9.3 million tonnes.

This surplus has allowed Ethiopia to export approximately 1 million tonnes of maize annually, solidifying its role as a key player in the continent’s agricultural landscape.

According to the EIAR, Tela Maize boasts a 60% higher yield compared to conventional varieties, a significant advantage for Ethiopia. It is engineered to withstand drought and resist pests such as the stem borer and fall armyworm. These pests have caused significant crop losses across Africa in recent years, threatening food security and farmers’ livelihoods.

The approval of Tela maize represents Ethiopia’s second foray into genetically modified crops, following the adoption of Bt cotton in 2018. It also reflects a growing trend in Africa toward the adoption of biotechnology in agriculture.

South Africa pioneered GM crop cultivation in Africa, enacting the Genetically Modified Organisms Act in 1997. The country commenced the commercial planting of GM maize in 1998 and has since expanded to include GM cotton and soybeans. By 2016, South Africa was the ninth-largest producer of GM crops globally, cultivating approximately 2.7 million hectares.

Nigeria and Kenya followed suit, green-lighting the commercial release of genetically modified (GMO) maize varieties in 2024.

Other African countries, such as Ghana, Namibia, and Zambia, have also been debating the GM maize policy amidst severe production shortfalls.

While the approval of GM crops has sparked debates globally, Ethiopian authorities have emphasized that the decision was made after thorough scientific evaluations to ensure safety and efficacy. 

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