The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has called for the urgent development of climate-smart seeds to address Nigeria’s food security challenges and boost economic growth.
Kyari made this call during a meeting with the newly appointed Board Chairmen of Agricultural Research Institutes and Colleges, held recently in Abuja.
Highlighting the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity, the minister urged the institutions to prioritise research into drought-resistant, heat-tolerant, and high-yielding seed varieties.
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According to him, “Climate change is here to stay. We must adapt by breeding seeds that are drought-resistant, heat-tolerant and high-yielding. Our research institutions must take the lead in delivering these solutions to Nigerian farmers.”
He further emphasised the need for seeds with shorter gestation periods and improved productivity to make efficient use of Nigeria’s limited arable land.
Kyari also encouraged the board chairmen to maintain open communication and close collaboration with the ministry, assuring them of the ministry’s support.
“This is your home. Our doors are open for advice, clarification, and constructive dialogue. Together, we can place Nigeria’s agriculture on the path to true transformation,” he said.
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Also speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, reiterated the ministry’s commitment to ensuring national food security.
He noted that the ministry’s priorities would soon be shared with the board chairmen and announced plans for a retreat aimed at harmonising ideas for advancing the sector.
Responding on behalf of the board chairmen, Ogar Eba, Chairman of the Rubber Research Institute, Edo State, pledged their support to the ministry’s goals.
He stressed the need for sustained collaboration between the board chairmen and the ministry to achieve food sovereignty and expressed confidence that the expertise of the new appointees would help drive the agricultural sector forward.
