The Minister
of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Alhaji Muhammad Sabo Nanono has
tasked higher Institutions of learning in Nigeria on adoption of technology and
innovation, stating that without sustainable efforts to achieve a shift from
subsistence agriculture into a viable agribusiness, the challenge of feeding
the growing population and creating a vibrant economy and massive jobs would be
a mirage. This was disclosed in a press statement issued by Ezeaja Ikemefuna on
behalf of Director of Information in the ministry.
He
reportedly made the call during the 27th Convocation Ceremony of the Federal
University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, held recently.
Alhaji Nanono noted that the main Agricultural
policy thrust of the present administration is the attainment of sustainable
food security and modernization of the Agric sector through Technology adoption
and innovation,” all over the world, the scientific transformation of
agriculture is a challenging task that requires a holistic, integrated and
systematic approach that weighs the traditional nature of the sector against
burning desire to modernize the sector in all its ramifications.”
The Minister
stressed that agricultural universities should provide and nurture the
intellectual basis for addressing the inherent problem of traditional
agriculture through knowledge creation, training and knowledge and
transfer of knowledge.
He stated
that knowledge transfer would empower and transform farmers in crops
production, livestock and fisheries subsector as well as achieve food security,
generate income and improve livelihood in the Nigeria.
He informed
that " the Ministry will work with the Universities and other research and
training institutions under its purview to be more organized and focus on
Agricultural Development as clearly stated in their mandates" noting that
"the need for closer monitoring and coordination in line with government
policies on the Agricultural sector informed the decision of the present administration
to approve the return of the universities of Agriculture to the Federal
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.”
The Minister
pledged that “Government will continue to do its best within limited resources”
adding that the ministry had approached the Tertiary Education Trust Fund for
funding support in the areas of applied research and possibly infrastructural
development for the universities under its purview.
In his
convocation address, the Vice- Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture,
Abeokuta, Prof. Felix Salako informed the audience that 3,226 were awarded
first and postgraduate degrees, with 112 bagging first class.
In his
remarks, the president of African Development Bank Group, who was also awarded
with Honorary degree, Doctor of science, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina noted that
"we must develop well integrated agricultural Value chain to make Nigeria
more competitive in the food and Agriculture industry. That's why the African
Development Bank will be supporting the Federal Government of Nigeria in the
development of Special agro-industrial processing zones in Nigeria ".
Prof Adesina
explained that "these will be enabled with consolidated
infrastructure. They will allow the establishment of food and agribusinesses in
rural areas, close to zones of production, creating jobs and transforming the
rural economies with wealth".
He pointed
out that "Universities of agriculture such as the Federal University of
Agriculture, Abeokuta, have great roles to play in linking research, innovations
and technologies to farmers and the food and agriculture industry".
He also
informed that, "the African Development Bank is spearheading efforts
to Feed Africa and is investing $25 billion over a ten year period to transform
the continents agriculture".
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