Ahmadu Bello University Hosts Inaugural Lecture on Good Agricultural Practices
He outlined the primary goals of GAP as improving the safety, quality, and quantity of farm produce, protecting the environment, and safeguarding the health and safety of workers.
Binye-lum 
A Professor of Agronomy at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Usman Ibrahim, has highlighted the significance of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in enhancing farm production and post-production processes. He made this declaration during the Inaugural Lecture Series No. 08/24, titled "Exploring the Fundamental Principles of Good Agronomic Practices for Sustainable Crop Production, Human Nutrition, Health and Environmental Preservation," held on October 30, 2024, at the Assembly Hall, Main Campus, Samaru, Zaria.
Prof. Usman, who is also the Provost of the Samaru College of Agriculture, emphasized that GAP aims to produce safe and healthy food and non-food agricultural products while ensuring economic, social, and environmental sustainability. He outlined the primary goals of GAP as improving the safety, quality, and quantity of farm produce, protecting the environment, and safeguarding the health and safety of workers.
In discussing crop production, Prof. Usman introduced the term Good Agronomic Practices (GAgrPs), which encompass responsible farming methods from site selection to harvesting and handling. He explained that adopting GAgrPs not only leads to safer and healthier crop production but also enhances yield and profitability, contributing to local and national development.
Addressing Nigeria's agricultural landscape, which has the largest population in Africa, he noted that crop production presents both opportunities and challenges, especially in improving nutrition and employing about 50% of the youth in various agricultural enterprises.
Prof. Usman expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, university management, and the University Organized Lectures Committee for the opportunity to present his lecture.
In his remarks, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kabiru Bala, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Prof. Raymond Bako, congratulated the inaugural lecturer and stressed the importance of strengthening agricultural extension services within the University Agricultural Complex. He also highlighted the need for improved food production through collaborations and the development of sustainable practices to mitigate climate change impacts.
The event featured the presentation of a plaque to Prof. Usman and a group photograph with attendees, including Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, and the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Lafia, Prof. Shehu AbdulRahman.
