Business
Food Sufficiency: Don Seeks Synergy Between Varsities, Institutes
The former Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of IIorin, Prof. Yomi Omotesho, last Monday called for synergy between universities and research institutes to boost food sufficiency.
Omotesho made the call on Wednesday in IIorin while delivering a keynote address at a review meeting of agriculture experts.
Our correspondent reports that the meeting was convened at the instance of the Nigeria Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), IIorin.
The don noted that the synergy between universities and agriculture institutes would also help develop a market-oriented economy.
Omotesho advised agriculture researchers to work toward ensuring proper food preservation in order to transform the nation and guarantee food sufficiency.
He also urged other stakeholders in the agriculture sector to live up to expectation in their research effort to achieve food sufficiency and create more job opportunities.
The don stressed the need for the three tiers of government to give priority to agriculture research through proper funding.
Declaring the meeting open, the Executive Secretary, Agriculture Research Council of Nigeria, Prof. Baba Yusuf-Abubakar, urged researchers to evolve a new strategic agenda for agricultural transformation.
The acting Executive Director of NSPRI, Dr Joseph Williams, said the meeting was organised to ensure actualisation of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda.
He said the institute had recorded a breakthrough in the areas of post harvest handling of fruits and vegetables as well as technology for preservation.