NASS, agricultural institutions collaborate on food security

The National Assembly and agricultural colleges and institutions have expressed readiness to collaborate on food security, research and appropriate legislation.

To this end, the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, chaired by Senator Sharafadeen Alli representing Oyo South Senatorial District, is organising a maiden legislative summit and extension at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Ibadan.

Alli, at a press conference heralding the summit at the Nigerian Union of Journalists Press Centre, Ibadan, on Thursday, said the summit became imperative to address the issues of food security and inadequate funding of research institutions nationwide.

He noted that there is a disconnect between farmers and the various agricultural and research institutions, which has resulted in a decline in farm produce.

According to him, “Many farmers remain disconnected from modern agricultural innovations despite several breakthroughs recorded by Nigerian research institutions.

“We must have the right kind of legislation in place to assist our institutions, improve curriculum, encourage collaboration and strengthen food security,” he said.

The lawmaker stressed that agriculture without research would amount to guesswork, noting that Nigerian researchers had developed improved crop varieties capable of transforming food production and boosting farmers’ income.

He cited examples of improved cocoa and cassava varieties developed through research, lamenting that many local farmers were still unaware of such innovations.

Alli also expressed concern over the decline of Nigeria’s agricultural dominance despite the country’s rich history in agricultural research and production.

He recalled that Malaysia obtained oil palm seedlings from Nigeria decades ago but had since overtaken Nigeria in global palm oil production.

The lawmaker disclosed that the summit would bring together over 28 agricultural institutions, international development partners, embassies and policymakers to discuss solutions to challenges confronting the sector.

He added that representatives of the European Union, GIZ, the British High Commission, the Malaysian Embassy and other foreign missions would participate in the summit.

According to him, the event would also explore ways of creating jobs for youths and women through mechanised agriculture and improved access to farming support services.

He revealed that partnerships had already been initiated with development organisations to assist farmers with land preparation, cultivation, harvesting and market access.

Alli further highlighted efforts to reduce post-harvest losses through the introduction of solar-powered dryers for agricultural produce.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Akeem Abas, described the summit as a major step towards improving food production and economic growth in Nigeria.

He commended Senator Ali for championing reforms capable of repositioning agricultural institutions and strengthening food security.

Abas noted that the attendance of journalists from dozens of media organisations at the parley reflected widespread interest in the summit and its expected impact on national development.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of the National Horticultural Research Institute, Professor Mohammed Lawal Atanda, said the summit would help strengthen legislative frameworks guiding agricultural research and training institutions.

He noted that Nigerian agricultural research institutes possessed highly skilled personnel and globally competitive innovations but required better coordination and support.

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Similarly, the Acting Executive Director of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Dr Adedeji Abiodun Rasheed, called for stronger private sector participation in research funding.

Rasheed said government alone could not fund agricultural research institutions effectively, urging stakeholders benefiting from agricultural products to invest in research and development.

Professor Oluwatosin Gabriel of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training also stressed the importance of research and legislation in tackling food insecurity and improving agricultural productivity.

He maintained that Nigeria possessed the expertise needed to achieve food sufficiency if the right policies, funding and institutional support were provided.