THE Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari recently, commissioned a veterinary clinic, fish pond, store building and received the presentation of Renewed Hope Agricultural Technology Adoption Project (RHATAP) at the Headquarters of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) in Abuja.
While commissioning the projects, the Minister said the projects are not just physical structures but are symbols of collective determination to provide the necessary support and infrastructure which farmers, researchers, and agricultural stakeholders needed to thrive.
Kyari said the Veterinary Clinic is particularly, significant as it underscores the government’s commitment to improving animal health and ensuring the productivity of our livestock sector.
He maintained that livestock farming is a critical component of the agricultural economy, contributing not only to food production but also to the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.
“By providing modern veterinary services, we are taking a vital step towards safeguarding the health of our livestock, preventing the spread of diseases, and ultimately boosting the productivity of this essential sector.
“Similarly, the Fish Pond that is being commissioned today represents our dedication to promote aquaculture as a viable and sustainable means of food production.
“Nigeria has vast aquatic resources, and the development of the aqua-cultural sector is crucial for increasing our fish production, reduction in our reliance on imports, and providing high-quality protein to our growing population.
“The Fish Pond would serve as both a research facility and a demonstration center for showcasing best practices in fish farming and contributing to the training and capacity building of our farmers.
“The Store building, on the other hand, is essential for the efficient management and safekeeping of official items and resources necessary for the day-to-day running of the Council”, the Minister noted.
Kyari explained that he approved the projects before the President created the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
“Judging from the Act that established the ARCN, enough room has been created for very close collaboration between the three Ministries if indeed we are to achieve the reform intended by Mr. President”, he noted.
The Minister informed that he has instructed that all the Research Institutes should ensure climate adaptation with a view to ensuring climate-smart agricultural practices.
“I will like to assure Nigerians that henceforth the Ministry will ensure adequate availability of viable seeds. In addition to the current improvement in enrollment in the Agricultural Colleges, enough middle-level manpower will be produced that would serve as Extension Agents to properly guide our Farmers. This will assist in reducing the Farmers Extension worker ratio”, he added.
The Minister was accompanied by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, the Chairman Senator Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, Senator Simon Lalong.
According to the Executive Secretary of ARCN, Professor Garba Sharubutu, the projects started in December 2023.
He said the projects were conceived to position the Council to contribute to Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, promote food security, increase the visibility of the agricultural research system, and strengthen the Council’s coordination with our international research partners, among others.
“Accordingly, the projects have been implemented in furtherance of the mandates
of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria to manage, supervise and coordinate agricultural research, training and extension in the National Agricultural Research Institutes and the Federal Colleges of Agriculture in Nigeria.
“The first project to be commissioned today by the Honourable Minister is the ARCN Store Complex. The Complex is a two-storey building facility comprising of a central store and 8-Offices. This is a Regulatory Project, required to safeguard government properties and create a conducive working environment for staff.
“The second project is a Veterinary Centre comprising of a pharmacy, registry, examination room, consulting room and surgery room. The Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for disease surveillance and control.
“In order to foster a more in-house hands-on and fulfilling learning experience, research findings demonstration, and technologies dissemination, the Council saw the need to establish this fish production facility, which is the third project to be commissioned today.
“The facility is a concrete water recirculating system equipped with culture, solid waste removal, and biofiltration units, as well as pump tank, and ultraviolet light”, Sharubutu explained.
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