Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has teased lecturers in universities of Agriculture, challenging them to go beyond theoretical classroom work and engage in serious farming.
Uzodimma who gave the challenge while delivering a pre-convocation lecture at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, MOUAU, said it was an irony for lecturers in universities of Agriculture to be buying certain produce instead of harvesting same from their farms.
“How many of you here eat bananas and plantains harvested from your farm,” he queried.
Uzodimma, therefore, challenged universities of Agriculture to lead in research and innovation, providing basic knowledge and and ways of improving the practice of agriculture just like their foreign counterparts.
“Universities can invent and develop new machines and equipment that meet the needs of farmers. But most importantly, our universities of agriculture can train farmers on new farming techniques, such as the use of innovative technologies to improve productivity.”
He advocated the establishment of agro-processing factories to help process Nigeria’s raw farm produce.
The Governor argued that it made no economic sense for Nigeria to be exporting cocoa to Europe only to import cocoa products at exorbitant prices.
According to him, a country that achieves success in agriculture will most likely fast-track its national development.
He said: “A nation that records progress in agriculture will experience a leap in national development through food security, employment generation, particularly in the rural areas, poverty reduction, rural development, sustainable and industrial development, social stability, and finally, trade and foreign exchange earnings.”
“Agriculture is a fundamental pillar for national development influencing economic stability and environmental sustainability,” he added.
Governor Uzodimma recalled how Malaysia that came to Nigeria to collect palm fruits had suddenly become the world’s leading exporter of palm oil.
He said that while Malaysia was fully committed to palm production, Nigeria which before Independence, was among the major producers, now imports palm oil.
He also said it was shameful that Ukraine had remained the world’s leading exporter of wheat despite being in war while Nigeria at peace time, is struggling to feed her citizens.
Uzodimma called for a change of attitude towards agriculture if Nigeria would achieve food sufficiency.
