By Nneka Nwogwugwu
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar has emphasized the importance of research in the development of the agricultural sector.
Abubakar said this in a statement released by the ministry on Tuesday.
He stated that research will improve quality seedling, enhance food and nutrition security and drive the diversification policy of the Federal Government in the agricultural sector.
The Minister made this disclosure during his working visit to the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) in Abuja on Monday.
He further highlighted the significance of research in the Agricultural systems especially in fast tracking food security, innovations and in the exportation of various agricultural produce.
Hailing President Muhammadu Buhari’s contribution to the agric sector, he said ‘’ is particularly interested in the Agricultural sector and thus the ministry is very much ready to assist and collaborate with the council towards improving research outcomes.
“It is the responsibility of the Agricultural researchers to make Nigeria great in export and in bringing innovative cropping system.”
The Minister assured that ‘’the federal government is also working with international organizations to improve the sector in order to enhance food production that will be sufficient for Nigeria’s growing population.
“We are doing everything possible to bring up some kind of stimulant that will cause price reduction naturally.”
In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, Prof. Garba Sharubutu, highlighted the giant strides recorded by the various Research institutes in recent times to include the development of technologies to tackle some emerging diseases and pests.
Prof Sharubutu added that ‘’we have changed the direction of our research from basic research to demand-driven agricultural research and technologies. Most of our Research Institutes now are answering the yearnings of Nigerian farmers in this regard.
In another development, the Minister visited the National Agricultural Quarantine Services (NAQS).
He charged the Agency to delivery on its mandate and ensure a good working relationship between the Nigeria Customs Services and other relevant Government Agencies towards providing goods and services to Nigerians.
Also visiting the the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), he said, “Recapitalization is very important and that is exactly what we are doing with the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) and I have already spoken with the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), we will probably put the two together and work on them. I will see how we can do that’’ the minister assured.
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