By Jabiru Hassan In Dutse.
The Chairman of Jigawa state chapter of All Farmers Associations, Alhaji Idris Yau Maiunguwa said that Jigawa state farmers would continue to boost their production through the institutional co-operation between the Jigawa state government and All farmers association (AFAN) in order to makes the state one of the most best performing food producing domain.
He stated this in an interview with our correspondent in Dutse, the Jigawa state capital, stressing that the government of Jigawa state under the stewardship of governor Muhammad Badaru Abubakar is working selflessly towards the development of agriculture as the mainstay occupation of the people of the state.
He lamented that the codial relationship between AFAN and the Jigawa state government remained one of the reasons why Agriculture is receiving the best consideration as an occupation that promotes self dependence in food production like what is being witnessed in other developed nations globally.
Alhaji Idris Yau Mai Unguwa disclosed that” I am happy to state that his excellency the executive governor of Jigawa state, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar is working very well to ensure that agriculture is becoming the best and profitable occupation especially at present when the state governor remained committed to agriculture as seen since he climbed the helms o the affairs of the state.
Commenting on the recent change in Agric ministry, Alhaji Idris Yau Mai Unguwa described the process as a boost to the Nigerian farmers because everybody knows that the person who overseers the federal ministry of agriculture can restore the lost glory of the organisation by keeping in mind that the present administration’s Policies on agriculture remained a global agenda.
The AFAN chairman thanked the Jigawa state government for the usual supports they usually naccorded to his association which is another great pride to farmers adding that his leadership would continue to bring out more plans that are profitable to agricultural sector at both dry and rainfall seasons.
Mai Unguwa disclosed that Jigawa state chapter of the All farmers association would continue to join hands with Jigawa state government and other agencies to control the menance of annual flooding which resulted in the loss of farm produce in the locations that are being affected annually in the state.
In conclusion, the Jigawa state AFAN leader commended the association’s national president, Architect Kabir Ibrahim for the role he is playing to ensure that Nigerian farmers benefited from all the government programmes despites challenges.
Food Security: Don cautions FG over effects of climate change
A Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Prof. Olusola Kehinde has called for sustained efforts to mitigate the current negative effects of climate change at the national and local levels, in order to ensure food security.
The Don admonished the Federal Government on the need to be sensitive to global issue of climate change, which he said could lead to food insecurity and famine in the country.
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He made the call while delivering the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, FUNAAB, 70th Inaugural Lecture at the Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Building of the University, Titled: From Generation to Generation: Plant Genetics Diversity, Continuity and Discontinuity.
He also called for the need to bridge the gap between University Researchers and Scientists at the National Research Institute with a view to enhancing research outputs in the agricultural value chain which will ensure food security in the country.
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According to him, the synergy and collaboration between them needs to be strengthened so as to carry out demand driven, centred and problem solving researches that will justify their existence, stressing that Federal and State governments need to demonstrate sincere commitment towards research activities by increasing the funding made available to Universities and research Institutes.
Prof. Kehinde who is also the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development) of FUNAAB said there must be adequate funding and sustained efforts for plant genetic resources exploration, collection, characterization and conservation in Nigeria, for both cultivated species and their wild relatives.
The Inaugural Lecturer called on relevant authorities and agencies to ensure regular review of existing national legislations backing plant genetic resources conservation and utilization, stressing that concerted efforts must also be made to enforce these laws.
Prof. Kehinde stated that Nigeria must not shy away from the cultivation and use of Genetically Modified (GM) crops, adding that “Concerned regulatory authorities should however, ensure that such crops meet biosafety standards “.
He stressed the need for FUNAAB to further strengthen the existing synergy and collaboration between the Institute for Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR); Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre (AMREC) and relevant Colleges in the University to carry out demand driven, farmer centred and problem solving researches that will justify the existence of the University.
“Our University should also continue to develop human capacity and materials resources in biotechnology which should be deployed towards promoting agricultural research and food production in our catchment areas”, he stressed.
