Veterinary doctors have tasked governments at all levels and stakeholders to drive the agricultural sector with innovative and technological investments to upscale food production and boost food security.
President, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Alumni Association, Prof Lawrence Aka, made the call in an event in Abuja, following the current excruciating hunger and hardship Nigerians are grappling with.
In the event, which was focused on “Adopting Technological Innovations in Veterinary Practice, Livestock Production and General Agricultural Practices for Food Security, Economic Growth, Poverty Alleviation, Youth Employment and National Security”, Aka noted that agriculture, which is the backbone of human civilization, is at a crossroads, particularly in Nigeria.
According to him, agriculture is faced with challenges such as climate change, population growth, and diminishing natural resources, hence the need to  reimagine and reinvent better ways to cultivate lands to improve national economy to nourish the people.
“The solution lies in innovation – leveraging technology to transform agriculture into a more sustainable, efficient, and productive sector.The subject of our discussion today is one that sits at the nexus of our survival and prosperity: ‘The adoption of innovative technology in agricultural production as a catalyst for economic growth and a pillar of national security’.
“In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, and our unique agricultural potential, agriculture remains the cornerstone of our economic stability and sustenance. Yet, it faces unprecedented neglect and challenges from climate change, population growth, resource depletion and lack of political will for its development.
“To navigate these challenges, we must pivot towards innovation and technology. This transition is not just an opportunity for growth but a necessity for our survival as a developing nation.
“There is no doubt that the current state of agriculture in our country does not match the potential it has in revamping all aspects of our existence as it relates to our economy, food security, youth empowerment, poverty alleviation and national security.
“The theme of this symposium has been chosen in recognition of the need for a diversification of our national economic agenda through an embrace of innovative and technologically-driven agricultural practices.
“Nigeria is uniquely blessed with enormous factors that positively drive abundant food production for local consumption and export.
“Unfortunately, this has hitherto been neglected to the detriment of improved economy, poverty alleviation, food sufficiency and national security hence the existing unimaginable level of poverty and youth unemployment. There is no dishonor in a country being poor.