Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Issues bordering on food scarcity and how to boost Nigeria’s quest for sustainable food security would top the agenda as Agricultural scientists converge on Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital for their 57th conference.
Experts from universities, research institutions, and other allied industries are expected to brainstorm on food security as well as other matters that will enhance food production in the country.
Speaking with Ikengaonline in Umuahia, President of Agricultural Society of Nigeria, Professor Jude Mbanasor said the 57th Annual Conference of the body would afford members the opportunity to seek new partnership with government for the overall good of the country.
He gave the theme for this year’s conference to be hosted by the Federal University, Lafia from October 23-October 27 as: Strengthening Agriculture for Food and Nutritional Security, Market Development and Export in a climate Change Environment.
According to him, experts in the various fields will deliver lectures after which a technical session will dissect them to arrive at proposals that will be submitted to government.
He hinted that the keynote address would be delivered by the Executive Secretary of Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, Prof Garba Hamidu Sharubutu.
Other speakers according to him include: Dr Ibitoye Oyewale, Engr Umar Binodie and Prof Olumiyuwa James Jayeoba, while the the Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Lafia Prof Shehu Abdu Rahman, is the host.
Prof Mbanasor expressed appreciation to the government and people of Nasarawa State for accepting to host the conference which he said would be the first since the assumption of office of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He explained that the current economic situation of the country had made to topic very apt.
The Professor said the challenges of food insecurity had been worsened by the climate change resulting in excessive flooding and other inhibitors of Agricultural growth.
The ASN President pledged that they will come out with far reaching proposals that will aid the government in finding solutions to the existential challenges.
