Stakeholders in the agricultural sector in Nigeria have advocated for the use of technological equipment and innovation to boost the productivity of farmers in the sector.
The Chairman of the Agric and Export Trade Group of NBBC, Dr. Olusola Obabori said, “Any business without leveraging on technology is operating in the past. This is why we are here today to examine the use of technology in boosting agriculture in agriculture.”
The stakeholders advocated for this at the Agric workshop organized by the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) held under the theme, “Leveraging Technology and Digital Transformation in Agriculture”.
According to the Chairman, when technology is inculcated and used, it will boost production and promote best agricultural practices which will translate into more profit.
At the event, the Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe disclosed that the agricultural sector has the potential of creating wealth for farmers, boosting economic growth; thereby promoting a robust economy.
“Agriculture has had a longstanding role in Nigeria’s economy and currently contributes the most to overall GDP. It accounts for 25 percent of Nigeria’s GDP and has remained resilient in the face of recent economic recessions and exogenous shocks,” he explained.
He further added that the President signed a priority deliverable compact with the ministry which is captured; the National Agricultural Research System of strengthening relevant research and training institutions along the path of sector-aligned, demand-driven and innovative technology,among others.
In addition, Umakhihe indicated that continuous local and foreign collaborations and partnership amongst State and non-State stakeholders remains the pivot of creating conducive business conditions, increasing private sector’s participation in the economy, expanding commodity value chain activities and raising agricultural output’s contribution to the country’s gross domestic product.
Also, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Erosoft Limited and Ere Aeronautics Limited, Ebikekeme Ere said, “The country population will be expected to double by 2050 as food demand is exploding, noting that farming is still very subsistent, yield per acre can vary 500 per cent within single field, fertilizer prices increasing every year, 50 to 60 per cent yield increase potential in crops and crop diseases are on the rise due to lack of mitigation.”
“Continuous local and foreign collaborations and partnership amongst State and non-State stakeholders remains the pivot of creating conducive business conditions and increasing private sector’s participation in the economy”
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