Data analysis, conditioning centres, panacea to food insecurity—Experts

 As a part of efforts to develop the agricultural sector by the private sector, experts in the sector have agreed that for agriculture to thrive in the country, data analysis and the establishment of conditioning centres were the panacea to food insecurity in the country. They aired their views at the 25th Nigeria Economic Summit held in Abuja.

Speaking at the occasion, the Managing Director Crest Agro, Oyetunde Solaja, said  that for agriculture to have the expected growth,  data analysis was the panacea to address food insecurity  in Nigeria, adding that data shows documentation of the available products, markets and relationship between farmers and the market.

He disclosed that "First, there has to be first enough data, to know at least what and what can we produce and who is the off taker”, adding  that regulation should be complied by, to ensure farmers were not cheated, including in the use of basic amenities in  the conditioning center.

 While canvassing for the establishment of conditioning centres, he said:"Once you have this conditioning centers, It is going to encourage even investors .One of the big challenges with investors is how do we solve the challenge of linking with the right people and knowledge of his linking partners. Also, the government should hands-off the conditioning centres, but retain control on the quality of the products to ensure standards”.

He continued: "With conditioning centers, farmers do not need to worry their heads when the product is out. The centres serve as warehouses and have good storage capacity for easily perishable goods,  help preserve produce for farmers and link them to the available market. The linkages must be there so that the farmer does not look for market for his produce. This is the only way to open up the rural economy, not necessarily   from the national grid but through off-grid solutions."

Also speaking at the forum, Leap Africa’s representative, Ndidi  Onwuneli  said that the private sector was creating access to data for  farmers as they  are first and foremost entrepreneurs in the sector. "There is tremendous potential for the private sector to take a lead, and the civil society to take a lead We don't need to wait for the government to do everything," she said.