Follow Us on Google
From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
The Nigerian Institute of Agricultural Engineers (NIAE) has urged the Federal Government to promote locally developed technologies for the rapid development of the agricultural sector.
NIAE is worried that the continuous importation of technologies was no longer sustainable in the sector.
The institute stated that some of the technologies being imported were no longer useful to agricultural transformation, hence the need to look inwards for local technologies.
This as part of recommendations by NIAE at the end of its 22nd International Conference and 42nd Annual General Meeting, held in Asaba.
Reading the communique to newsmen, national chairman of NIAE, Prof. Akindele Folarin Alonge urged government to invest in the nation’s various tertiary and research institutions.
According to him, NIAE called on the government to intensify efforts toward diversifying the economy through agriculture to achieve food security and rural development.
He said all tiers of government should show more commitment and diligence in the country’s desire to transform the Nigerian economy through the promotion of agricultural programmes aimed at achieving food security for the teeming population.
Alonge stressed the need for strategic collaborative efforts between all the agencies and relevant stakeholders involved in agricultural related activities in the country.
He said all stakeholders needed to unite in order to achieve the desired economic transformation.
The NIAE chairman also disclosed that the engineers recommended the need for adequate funding of research and development in all areas of agriculture by the government and non-governmental agencies for rural development and curbing food insecurity.
“There is an urgent need for training, research and investment in agricultural produce value addition and agripreneurship to ensure food and fodder security.
“Government should step up efforts to reduce the security challenges in the farm including the deployment of technologies and other security systems,” Prof. Alonge added.
