National assembly, Research institutes partner on food security

The National Assembly and agricultural research institutions have expressed readiness to strengthen collaboration on food security, agricultural research, and legislation aimed at improving local food production in Nigeria.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, Sharafadeen Alli, disclosed this on Monday during a press conference held at the secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Iyaganku, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Mr Alli said partnerships had already been initiated with development organisations to support farmers in land preparation, cultivation, harvesting, and market access.

He added that plans were underway to introduce solar-powered dryers to reduce post-harvest losses across the agricultural value chain.

“Many farmers remain disconnected from modern agricultural innovations despite several breakthroughs recorded by Nigerian research institutions,” Mr Alli said.

“We must have the right kind of legislation in place to assist our institutions, improve curriculum, encourage collaboration and strengthen food security,” he added.

Nigeria continues to face rising food prices and declining agricultural productivity, with experts repeatedly calling for increased investment in mechanisation, research, and extension services.

Research and innovation

Mr Alli stressed that agriculture without research would amount to guesswork, noting that Nigerian scientists have developed improved crop varieties capable of boosting production and farmers’ income.

He cited improved cocoa and cassava varieties produced by local research institutes but lamented that many farmers remained unaware of the innovations.

The senator also recalled that Malaysia obtained oil palm seedlings from Nigeria decades ago but has since overtaken Nigeria in global palm oil production.

Calls for greater support

The Executive Director of the National Horticultural Research Institute, Mohammed Atanda, said Nigerian agricultural research institutes possess globally competitive innovations but require stronger coordination and support.

Similarly, the Acting Executive Director of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Adedeji Rasheed, urged increased private sector investment in agricultural research.

“Government alone cannot effectively fund agricultural research institutions,” Mr Rasheed said, calling on stakeholders benefiting from agricultural products to invest more in research and development.

Media and stakeholder engagement

Earlier, the Oyo State NUJ Chairman, Akeem Abas, commended Mr Alli for championing reforms aimed at repositioning agricultural institutions and strengthening food security nationwide.

Mr Abas said the strong turnout of journalists from multiple media organisations reflected growing national interest in agricultural reforms and food security initiatives.