By Akeem Abas
Ibadan – Agricultural experts on Monday in Ibadan called for polices aimed at addressing the emerging challenges in the agriculture sector as well as boost food production.
The experts spoke at an occasion organised by the state government to mark the World Food Day.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for the 2017 World Food Day celebration is “ Change the Future of Migration: Invest in Food Security and Rural Development.’’
Prof. James Adediran, Executive Director, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Ibadan, said that the policies should be geared toward achieving self-sufficiency in basic food supply.
The policies, he said, should also promote increased application of modern technology in agricultural production to boost productivity.
“The policy directives should also target creating more conducive macro-environment to stimulate greater private sector investment in agriculture with specific role assigned to different tiers of government and private sector,’’ he said.
He stated that the agricultural sector had been neglected for long and its productivity was low.
“Currently Nigeria has less than 40% of its 80% arable land cultivated despite the country’s teaming population and level of unemployment.
“Our agriculture will benefit to a great extent from modern farming practices and biotechnological advancements,’’ he said.
Adediran suggested that farmers, women and youths in agriculture should be given support through capacity building and provision of machinery.
He called for the rehabilitation of moribund farm settlements in the state, saying this would change the future of migration and encourage government to invest in food security and rural development.
Prof. Gbemiga Adewale, the Provost of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, also urged government at all levels to resuscitate the moribund farm settlements.
Adewale said that the state government had initiated several agricultural programmes, urging the people to embrace them.
He called on the training institutes to make agriculture more attractive and interesting to secure youth participation.
“I also urge parents to ensure that their children embrace entrepreneurship and vocational training to enable them acquire more skills that will make them self-dependent,’’ he said.
NAN reports that the celebration featured exhibition of farm produce and other goods by local governments, agencies, farmers and companies. (NAN)
