Gov Sule, Sasakawa advocate digital extension, advisory services to transform agriculture

As Nigeria grapples with rising food imports and low agricultural productivity, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr Abdullahi Sule, and Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), Nigeria, have advocated for the adoption of digital extension and advisory services to boost agricultural productivity.

At the Annual Stakeholders Workshop with the theme ‘Transforming the Agricultural Landscape Through Digital Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services’ organised by SAA, industry leaders emphasised the need for digital innovation to boost food production and ensure food security.

Dr Godwin Atser, Country Director of the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) in Nigeria, stressed the importance of transforming agriculture to meet the nation’s growing food demands.

According to him, if no action is taken, the food import bill could rise to $110 billion by 2025, posing serious economic risks.

“One of the weakest links in our food value chain is extension and advisory services. We have the technology to improve food production, but these innovations are not reaching farmers. Strengthening extension services will equip farmers with the skills and tools needed to increase yields, boost income, and improve livelihoods,” Atser said.

He highlighted SAA’s collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, as well as state-level extension departments, to revamp the country’s agricultural extension system.

Dr Atser noted that partnerships and innovative approaches, particularly digital solutions, are crucial to accelerating progress.

This year’s stakeholders’ review meeting focused on the theme “Transforming the Agricultural Landscape through Digital Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services,” underscoring the need for modern technology in delivering agricultural support.

Also speaking at the event, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to agriculture, with over 60% of its population engaged in farming.

He emphasised that digital technology is the future of agriculture and highlighted his administration’s efforts to demonstrate commitment to the sector.

“Last year, we acquired 10,000 hectares of land, cultivated 2,000 hectares, and harvested rice, selling 80% to Olam while distributing the remaining 20% across local governments to encourage participation in agriculture,” the governor said.

While harping on the importance of digital technology, the Governor said, “Digital technology is the future; therefore, transforming agriculture extension is a welcome development, and I call on the participants to truly ask questions.”

“In Nigeria, food security should not only be a slogan; food security should be a reality because Nigeria has the capacity to have total food security, but it can only happen if we are serious about it.”

He commended SAA for its contributions, particularly in training extension agents, and urged stakeholders to take decisive steps in making food security a reality in Nigeria.

“Nigeria has the capacity for total food security, but it requires seriousness and commitment,” he added.

SAA also took advantage of the workshop to award the governments of Nasarawa, Gombe, Kano, Jigawa, Benue and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for their support over the years.

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