The Managing Director ( MD), Premier Seed Nigeria Limited, Dr. Ibitoye Oyewale has advised on the need for proactive climate smart agriculture practices to checkmate $16.9 billion losses being experienced in the last one decade in Nigeria.
Dr. Ibitoye Oyewale said this in a paper presented at the just concluded 57th Annual conference, Agricultural Society of Nigeria, held in Lafia, Nasarawa state, Nigeria.
Oyewale in his paper titled " Necessity for Resilience & Nutrient Dense Improved Quality Crop Varieties: Strength for Market Development, Export, Reduction of farmers Vulnerability and Food Security" stressed the need for regenerative agricultural practices by stakeholders to reduce losses recorded on foods running to $16.9 billion in the last one decade.
He pointed in the paper that over 2 billion people in the world are affected with the negative impact of climate change being unable to get enough nutritional food due to lack of sufficient micronutrients for good health.
Speaking on the way forward, Dr. Oyewale advocated for climate smart agriculture practices by major stakeholders towards food security using improved crops varieties adaptable to flood, drough, pest and diseases.
He stressed the need for more awareness for the use of the improved crops varieties by farmers adding that " farmer to farmers exchange can help to overcome the lack of awareness"
On how policy can activate resilience climate change practices, the Premier Seed boss said both the states and federal governments must fall back to National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy ( NATIP 2022-2027) to enhance reforms on climate and nutrition smart agriculture with reduced emissions and effective environmental policy to sustainable nutrients food security.
Oyewale in his conclusion stated that " the importance of resilience and nutrition dense quality crop varieties cannot be over stated.Their multifaceted impact on market development, export competitiveness, reduction of farmers' vulnerability, and food security underscores their indispensable role in global agriculture.
" Government, agricultural organizations, Research Institutes, seed companies and communities must collaborate to promote cultivation and consumption of these crops. By investing in research, technology and education, Nigeria can create a resilient agricultural sector capable of addressing the challenges of the 21th century, ultimately leading to a healthier, more secured and prosperous world.
" The necessity of improved seeds varieties lies in their ability to strengthen food security by ensuring a more reliable food supply, boosting export potential by meeting market demands, and reducing farmers' vulnerability to risk. By embracing and promoting the use of these varieties, countries can create a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural sector"
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