Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Worried about the negative impact of analogue farming on agricultural diversification in Nigeria, experts and policy makers in the sector will today, October 22, converge on Umuahia, the Abia State capital, to explore innovative technologies capable of driving modern farming in the country.
The gathering, under the aegis of the Agricultural Society of Nigeria (ASN), marks the society’s 59th Annual Conference and Business Meeting, holding at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), in collaboration with the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike.
According to the organisers, the theme of the conference — “Advancing Innovative Technologies, Skills and Digital Economy for Livelihood Diversification in Agriculture” — is aimed at finding sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s continued reliance on crude farming practices, which have hindered the sector’s growth and development.
Briefing journalists in Umuahia, the National President of ASN, Prof. Jude Mbanasor, said the choice of theme underscores the urgent need for Nigeria to transition from traditional to technology-driven agricultural practices.
“Unless Nigeria abandons its current approach to farming, the dream of achieving agricultural diversification and food security will remain a mirage,” Mbanasor warned, noting that technological innovation is now central to agricultural advancement globally.
He disclosed that the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, will chair the event, while the Vice Chancellor of MOUAU, Prof. Maduebibisi Iwe, and the Executive Director of NRCRI, Prof. Chiedozie Egesi, will lead their colleagues from various universities and research institutes.
The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, will serve as the chief host of the event.
Mbanasor further revealed that the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Prof. Olusola Kehinde, will deliver the keynote address, while Prof. Abubakar Adamu Dabban will serve as the lead panelist.
He added that during the conference, the society will confer Awards of Excellence in Leadership on three distinguished Nigerians, while seven others will receive the ASN Fellowship Award in recognition of their international distinction and outstanding contributions to agricultural development in Nigeria.
