In a strategic move to propel advancements in the agricultural sector, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) has joined forces with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI). The collaborative effort, marked by the inauguration of a dedicated committee, is poised to expedite the adoption of cutting-edge technologies with the overarching goal of bolstering food production for both domestic consumption and export.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Ministry’s Conference Room, featured remarks from Mr. Temitope Peter Fashedemi, the Permanent Secretary of FMAFS. He underscored the timeliness of strengthening collaboration with NASENI, emphasizing the pivotal role that innovation and technology play in the contemporary world.
Mr. Fashedemi articulated that integrating technology into agricultural practices is integral to realizing the current administration’s objectives of achieving food security, job creation, and industrialization nationwide. He revealed that the National Agriculture Technology and Innovation plan for the years 2022-2027 is anchored in ten thematic areas, encompassing stakeholder synergy, knowledge creation and transfer, rapid mechanization, agricultural development fund establishment, extension service delivery revitalization, and livestock development.
The technical committee, comprising directors from key FMAFS departments and representatives from NASENI, is entrusted with the responsibility of redefining and positioning the agricultural sector through innovation. The committee members are tasked with aligning their efforts with the President’s eight-point agenda.
Engr. Garba Abdullahi, Director of the Federal Department of Agriculture in the Ministry, expressed the committee’s commitment to diligently fulfilling its mandate. He specifically highlighted the committee’s dedication to achieving food and nutrition security.
The committee’s terms of reference encompass a thorough examination of programs and projects within relevant FMAFS departments and agricultural research institutes. Key collaboration areas identified by NASENI include Technology Transfer, the Rice Storage Project (converting waste to recycle for building materials), and the Assembling of farm implements. The committee’s role extends to clearly defining the roles, responsibilities, and benefits of both parties across these collaboration areas.
This collaboration signals a pivotal step toward harnessing technological innovations to address challenges in the agricultural sector, ultimately contributing to the realization of food security, job creation, and industrialization objectives in Nigeria. The establishment of the committee with specific terms of reference reflects a focused and strategic approach to implementing innovative solutions in agriculture.
