By Abdullahi Lukman
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has called on all agricultural research institutes to prioritize climate adaptation strategies.
This directive aims to encourage the adoption of climate-smart farming practices in Nigeria.
Kyari made this announcement during the inauguration of several agricultural infrastructure projects at the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) headquarters in Abuja.
The projects included the establishment of a veterinary clinic, a fish pond, a store building, and the introduction of the Renewed Hope Agricultural Technology Adoption Project (RHATAP).
In his speech, the minister emphasized that these projects are not just about physical infrastructure but also represent the government’s commitment to equipping farmers, researchers, and other agricultural stakeholders with the necessary tools for success.
He highlighted the veterinary clinic as a critical step toward improving animal health and boosting livestock productivity.
“Livestock farming is crucial to our agricultural economy, supporting both food production and millions of livelihoods.
“Modern veterinary services will enhance livestock health, control the spread of diseases, and increase productivity,” Kyari stated.
He also underscored the importance of the newly developed fish pond, calling it a vital step towards promoting aquaculture as a sustainable food production method.
“Nigeria has vast aquatic resources, and expanding the aquaculture sector is essential for increasing fish production, reducing dependency on imports, and providing quality protein for our growing population,” he explained.
The fish pond facility will function as both a research center and a training hub for fish farmers.
Kyari also highlighted the significance of the store building in managing and safeguarding essential resources for ARCN’s daily operations.
Notably, these projects were approved prior to the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Despite this, the minister emphasized the importance of collaboration among these ministries to ensure the success of President Bola Tinubu’s agricultural reforms.
The minister was joined by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, Senator Simon Lalong.
Professor Garba Sharubutu, the Executive Secretary of ARCN, explained that the projects began in December 2023 and are designed to align with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He noted that these initiatives aim to enhance food security, improve the visibility of agricultural research, and strengthen collaboration with international research partners.
Sharubutu provided further details on the individual projects:
The ARCN Store Complex is a two-story building that houses a central store and offices, aimed at securing government property and boosting staff productivity.
The Veterinary Centre includes a pharmacy, registry, examination and consulting rooms, as well as a surgery unit equipped with state-of-the-art disease surveillance and control tools.
The fish production facility features a concrete water recirculating system, solid waste removal units, and biofiltration systems, along with a pump tank and ultraviolet light. It is designed for research, technology demonstration, and hands-on training in fish farming.
These projects are expected to reinforce ARCN’s mandate to oversee agricultural research, training, and extension services across Nigeria’s National Agricultural Research Institutes and Federal Colleges of Agriculture.
