Agric economists charge govt on research

The Nigerian Association of Agricultural Economists (NAAE) has called on the Federal Government to invest more in research and ensure the implementation of its findings, to address the problems of food security in the country.

The call was made by the National President of NAAE, Prof. Job Nmadu, at the three-day National Conference of the Nigerian Association of Agricultural Economists.

He said that the effect of the coronavirus pandemic was enormous and had led to a decrease in food production and an increase in the prices of food items.

The President of NAAE added that Nigeria universities were capable of proffering solutions to the country’s food crisis, through research, as such government should provide more funds for research and also ensure that outcomes of the research were diligently used.

Nmadu also urged the National Assembly to enact laws to make the implementation of research works mandatory.
“Many at times researches were conducted and the good outcomes of such researches are not implemented and remain unutilized,” he said.

He said that the group would come out with a communique advising the government on the way forward at the end of the three-day conference.

Speaking, the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), Prof. Shehu Abdul-Rahman, expressed gratitude for the choice of the institution to host the conference.

Adbul-Rahman described the theme of the conference: “COVID-19 and National Economic Crises: Challenges to Food Security and Sustainable Livelihoods” as apt.

According to him, the theme was anchored on the premise of complementing the efforts of governments at all levels to address the effects of post-COVID-19.

He, however, stressed the need for government to give funds for academic research as that would be the only way to ensure realistic machinist agriculture in the country.

The FULafia vice-chancellor expressed optimism that the outcome of the conference would go a long way in addressing the challenges created by COVID-19 to the national economy.

Also, Nasarawa state Governor Abdullahi Sule stated that the theme of the conference was apt, timely, and well-conceived given its significance to the national economy.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, Nuhu Bunu, the governor added that the state government had accorded priority to agriculture because it is the mainstay of the socio-economic development of every society.

The governor said that his administration had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, Azman Rice Mills and Farm Ltd, for rice, sugar, and cassava production in the state.

He further revealed that the state government had also keyed into the National Livestock Transformation Plan of the Federal Government to find lasting solutions to incessant farmers/herders clashes.

The governor expressed his commitment to continue supporting the development of agriculture to enhance food security in the state. (VON)