By Uche Onyeali
In furtherance of its efforts to ensure food security for Nigerinas, the federal government has vowed to take agriculture to universities across the country.
This was made known yesterday by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Aliyu Abdullahi, during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Federal University of Education, Kontagora, Niger State, led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Faruk Haruna.
Abdullahi also disclosed that government had resolved to support agricultural infrastructural development in federal tertiary institutions with the purpose of achieving food security, poverty reduction and economic growth.
Speaking to the delegation, which also visited the National Agricultural Growth Scheme-Agro – Pocket, NAGS – AP, office in Abuja, Abdullahi stated that agricultural development support and collaboration with the Federal University of Education would focus on practical, hands-on experience and entrepreneurship profitable for students, as well as foster a new generation of agripreneurs.
He advised that the institution should focus on “smart agriculture business, digital technology, data analytics to boost efficiency, profitability and sustainability, moving beyond traditional farming to optimise inputs and improve yields through precision management, creating a data-driven, connected food system from farm to production.”
In his remarks, Professor Haruna revealed that the minister sponsored the bill establishing the university while serving as senator for Niger North, and it was assented to by former President Muhammadu Buhari on December 31, 2021.
He requested for the establishment of agro-processing, value addition centers for training and research, as well as support for modern farm machinery, renewable energy, cold rooms, greenhouses and irrigation facilities.
