Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife Prof. Simeon Bamire, has urged Research Institutes, extension service providers, farmers, NGO’s and the government to have sense of responsibilities to overcome food shortages in the country.
Professor Bamire disclosed this while declaring open the 36th edition of South West Research Extension Farmers Input Linkage System (REFILS) held at Professor Adebowale Hall, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Moor Plantation, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
He emphasised the need to embrace and sustain a bottom-up approach to research which will enhance farmers involvement right from the stage of research planning which according to him will make research demand-driven and farmers oriented.
Enumerating ways of overcoming food shortages, Prof. Bamire disclosed that efforts should be geared towards training and capacity building of stakeholders across agricultural value chains.
“The need for Government to provide sustainable solution to safeguard agricultural productivity amidst challenges such as insecurity at various levels,” he said.
He however identified proper land evaluation that will guide land use planning as inevitable in solving the problem of land misuse and degradation.
Professor Bamire also disclosed the need to develop adaptive and affordable technologies for product development to meet global standards which according to him will reduce or eliminate post-harvest food wastage due to lack of storage facilities.
While welcoming guests and participants to the event which has the theme “The Roles Of Research And Extension In Overcoming Food Shortage Crisis In Nigeria” Prof. Veronica Obatolu, hinted that the Institute has been able to develop and disseminate innovative technologies, practices and policies that enhance agricultural productivity.
“We have also improved food security and promote sustainable livelihoods, “ She remarked
“Notably, our exploration of the genetic diversity of Kenaf, Maize and Cowpea has led to improved varieties adaptable to various agroecologies. Similarly, the Institute is now registering IAR&T ecotype chicken; a meat-type chicken.”
In his keynote address, the Vice Chancellor Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Professor Babatunde Kehinde called on the Governments at all levels to Prioritise investment in agriculture as a major way of solving the problems of food insecurity.
Prof. Kehinde however urged Nigerians to be self-reliant as a major way of solving food shortages in the country.
In his goodwill message the executive secretary of Agricultural Research Council Prof. Garba Sharubutu who was represented by the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of National Horticultural Research Institute Prof. Muhammed Lawal Atanda stated that research is very crucial in boosting food in Nigeria.
He however urged farmers to take a pro-active actions to boost food productions in the country while adding that research results should be circulated to the farmers who according to him needed it much.
The programme was well attended by Researchers, Extension personnel, farmers and other relevant stakeholders. Highlights of the program include commissioning of research workshop building which is one of the infrastructural structures put in place during the tenure of Professor Veronica Obatolu.
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