By Abdullahi Lukman
Stakeholders at the 51st Annual Conference of the Nigerian Society for Plant Protection have raised alarm over the growing impact of pests and climate change on food security, warning that emerging threats could significantly undermine agricultural productivity in Nigeria.
The conference, themed “Plant Protection and Biotechnological Solutions for Sustainable Food Production in Nigeria,”was held on April 13, 2026, at the National Horticultural Research Institute in Ibadan.
Participants noted that changing climate conditions have contributed to the rise of new pests and pathogens that are increasingly damaging crops across the country.
Executive Director of NIHORT, Muhammed Attanda, said biotechnology offers effective tools to combat these challenges and accelerate progress toward food sustainability.
He urged Nigerians to adopt innovative agricultural solutions, highlighting the institute’s role in advancing research on crop improvement, production, storage, and marketing.
Attanda disclosed that NIHORT has developed and released several improved crop varieties, including pepper, tomato, onion, and eggplant, designed for higher yield, heat tolerance, and pest resistance.
He added that the institute has also introduced improved plantain and banana varieties to boost food production and economic opportunities.
According to him, NIHORT has created pest management technologies such as eco-friendly traps and biopesticides to address infestations, particularly in tomato farming.
He further noted that the institute has strengthened its research capacity through upgraded laboratories in biotechnology, virology, pathology, and agronomy, while continuing to collaborate with farmers and stakeholders.
Also speaking, Executive Secretary of the
Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, Adamu Abubakar Dabban, said Nigeria faces the dual challenge of increasing food production while tackling pests, diseases, and climate change.
He stressed that without strong plant protection strategies, achieving food security would remain difficult.
Dabban emphasized the need for science-driven and sustainable solutions, particularly biotechnology and digital tools, to protect crops and ensure food availability.
He added that ARCN is committed to strengthening research, capacity building, and collaboration among institutions, universities, and the private sector to ensure innovations reach farmers.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Nigerian Society for Plant Protection, David Olufolaji, called for the practical implementation of ideas discussed at the conference, noting that such actions are essential to securing the nation’s food future.
