The Federal Government is emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices focusing on root and tuber crops to address food security challenges in Nigeria.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyrai made this known during the Annual Research Review and Planning Workshop of National Roots Crops Institute, Umudike Abia State.
Themed ‘A Sustainable Future for Nigeria’s Agriculture: Focus on Root and Tuber Crops’, the Workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including Policy makers, Scientists, Academia, former Executive Directors and Directors of NRCRI, Provosts, Professors, Deans of Faculties/Colleges of Universities, Farmers, NGOs, His Royal Highnesses of Host Communities, and representatives from the Private Sector.
The Minister represented by Dr. Alloysius Mba, Head of Station, FMAFS, Umudike, commended the exceptional research output that have emerged from the institute. He drew the Institute’s attention to persistent challenges of climate change, emerging pests and diseases, population growth and dietary patterns and urged stakeholders to intensify collaboration across sectors by sharing experiences, knowledge and resources.
In his address, the Executive Director, National Root Crop Research Institute Umudike, Professor Chiedozie Egesi, said the event highlights the remarkable strides of the Institute in advancing agricultural research and development particularly in root and tuber crops to enhance food security.
Professor Egesi noted that the institute under review took several impact training initiatives which is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu aimed at fostering strong partnership, strategic planning and ensuring active Stakeholders engagement.
In a keynote address Dr. Chris O. Dimkpa, Head and Chief Scientist – Dept. of Analytical Chemistry, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES)], suggested that agricultural production must increase by 70-100% by 2050 due to a growing population to address global food insecurity arising from increasing food demand.
The Workshop recommended Sustainable Agricultural Practices by encouraging the adoption of integrated pest management, organic farming, and agro ecological approaches to minimize reliance on agrochemicals and enhance food safety.
