 Now, after years of research, years of the Department of Agriculture, years of the A, in collaboration with Nigeria's National Biotechnology Development Agency, NABDA, has launched biotech cowpea. This is the first of its kind in Nigeria. According to research, the cowpea will reduce the use of pesticides from eight sprays per season to about two targeted sprays and increase yield by up to 20%. This means that Nigeria will record a revenue increase of more than 48 billion Naira Anole from cowpea. Plastic in its correspondence, Ngozeka O'Hai Chester reports. Beans is one of Nigeria's staple foods, but Konzima State's Board is about to experience something new. The Council of Agricultural Affairs U.S. Mission in Nigeria, Gerald Smith, says the new beans will improve nutrition and food security across Nigeria. Eating is believing it's a community engagement activity that is helping to boost the demand for BT cowpea and healthy bean-based food products. The cowpea or bean is incredibly nutrients-dense and rich in vitamin A and C, including micro-nutrients. Plants are on to distribute the biotech cowpea seedlings to farmers by the first quarter of 2022. It's readily available to the farmers. Probably in Lagos, a lot more work has to be done to make it available, but it is available where I come from. And I think the ABDA in Ohio State, there is a company that is interested in producing it commercially, so Lagos will be covered, and all of Nigeria will be covered, you know, finally. Traditionally, it's something known that beans is nutritious. It has high protein content, but fingers are not equal. Even among the cowpeas, there are some cowpeas that may have differences in terms of high protein content. So this one is among those, because it has more than 24% crude protein content and also with high iron enzymes, which is also needed. That was why some farmers, women, especially in the rural areas, where they cannot afford meat and also fish, a source of protein, they can use it as an alternative because that one will supplement what they are needing, what they like in terms of protein supplement. That will really help. And especially with women that are pregnant, pregnant women, it will also help them. Because even at conventional coffee, doctors used to advise them, say you'll be adding beans into your product, so that at least you'll be taking some kind of essential element like iron and zinc and so on and so forth. The biotech beans is made into bean cake and pudding. Participants and farmers explore the new taste. One assurance is consistent here on the lips of experts and datas, the biotech cowpea is safe to the health. For Plus TV Africa, Gozika Ohai Chessi. to hit the notification button so you get notified about fresh news updates.