National Assembly, others partner on food security

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The National Assembly and the Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, on Monday, expressed readiness to collaborate on food security, research and appropriate legislation.

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This was disclosed by the Senate Committee Chairman on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, Sharafadeen Alli representing Oyo South Senatorial District, during a press conference, held at the state secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Iyaganku in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

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

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Alli added that efforts to reduce post-harvest losses through the introduction of solar-powered dryers for agricultural produce are already in pipeline.

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The lawmaker said, “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.”

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He stated that agriculture without research would amount to guesswork, adding that Nigerian researchers had developed improved crop varieties capable of transforming food production and boosting farmers’ income.

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Alli cited examples of improved cocoa and cassava varieties developed through research, lamenting that many local farmers were still unaware of such innovations, expressing concern over the decline of Nigeria’s agricultural dominance despite the country’s rich history in agricultural research and production.

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

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Earlier, the state NUJ Chairman, Akeem Abas, commended Alli for championing reforms capable of repositioning agricultural institutions and strengthening food security.

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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.

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Also speaking, Executive Director of the National Horticultural Research Institute, Prof Mohammed Atanda, said Nigerian agricultural research institutes possessed highly skilled personnel and globally competitive innovations but required better coordination and support.

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

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

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Nigeria has continued to battle rising food prices and declining agricultural productivity, with experts repeatedly calling for increased investment in research, mechanisation and extension services to improve food security and boost local production.

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