A Professor of Agronomy Yusuf Daraja says, Nigeria is facing a significant challenge in its agricultural sector, with an estimated 40% of its farm produce lost due to inadequate storage, poor processing facilities, and inefficient transportation systems.
Daraja who doubles as vice chancellor of Capital City University, Kano, stated this in his keynote address during the 9th National Conference of Crop Science Society of Nigeria (CSSN) at the Faculty of Agriculture, Bayero University Kano(BUK).
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He emphasized on the need for Government to increase investment in agricultural innovations, research and development, develop crop varieties and as well as strengthen extension services by expanding to more farmers, particularly in rural areas.
“considering Nigeria’s population growth, and the decline in food supply system caused by climate change, soil degradations, insecurity and inadequate modern technology among others”
Professor Daraja explained that, one key area of innovation is precision in agriculture, which involves the use of technology such as GPS, sensors, drones, and satellite imagery.
“These tools enable farmers to closely monitor crop health and optimise the use of resources like water and fertilizers”
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The vice chancellor highlighted that, Agriculture, therefore, remain central to Nigeria’s socio-economic progress, offering pathways to employment, economic growth, food security and environmental sustainability.
“Crops engineered to resist pests, diseases, and environmental stresses can improve yields and reduce the need for chemical inputs, making farming more sustainable and productive”
While calling on farmers to embraced innovative practice to boost productivity, Professor Daraja stressed on the importance for more private collaboration with farmers to improve access to affordable credit, high-quality inputs, and market linkages for improve productivity and profitability.
In his opening remarks, BUK’s VC, Professor Sagir Abbas, described the conference theme, ‘Transforming Crop production in the Face of Insecurity and Economic Crisis: Challenges and Prospect’, as apt, noting that, it will stimulate innovative solutions to improving food security, nutrition and sustainable agricultural practices in Nigeria.
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Earlier in his welcome address, the dean Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. M.A Hussain, said the conference offers a a unique opportunity for various stakeholders to network and build capacity.
He explained that the conference would focus discussion on crop livestock integration, forestry practice and their impacts on crop production, crop germplasm resource harnessing and utilzation, appropriate mechanisation among others.