Science A Catalyst for Agricultural Development and National Food Security–FULafia VC
Science A Catalyst for Agricultural Development and National Food Security–FULafia VC
Amanna
The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), Prof. Shehu Abdul Rahman, has described science as an agent of development without which agriculture and other human activities cannot prosper.
Abdul Rahman stated so during the 7th Annual National Conference of the School of Applied Sciences, Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, Nasarawa, Nasarawa State, which took place at the CIBN Hall of the Polytechnic.
The theme of the Conference was: “Science and Technology: A Panacea for National Food Security.”
Abdul Rahman, who was the lead presenter at the conference, said that scientific knowledge allows people to develop new technologies to solve practical problems and make informed decisions, both individually and collectively.
He said that technological development in the field of agriculture included use of robots, temperature and moisture sensors, aerial images and global positioning system (GPS) technologies.
He said that using these technologies made agricultural business profitable, efficient, safer and environmentally friendly.
"Genetically modified crops are one of the most significant advancement in agricultural sector,” he added.
Abdul Rahman said that food security is "when all people, at all time, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food which meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life."
He lamented that despite the role played by agriculture in the national economy, poverty, unemployment, food insecurity remained issues needing attention of governments at all levels.
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He emphasised the need for agricultural policies to focus more on promotion of science and technology to serve as a road map for improving efficiency and productivity in the agricultural sector.
Similarly, Dr Yahaya Baba Usman, the keynote speaker at the conference and rector of Federal Polytechnic, Idah, Kogi State, posited that the country was heading towards doom if nothing was done to address the issue of food security.
He urged the government to promote sustainable agricultural practices, improved access to technology and inputs, support smallholder farmers and women producers as well as address climate change and environmental sustainability amongst other recommendations he made.
Earlier, while declaring the conference open, the acting rector of the polytechnic, Dr Samuel James Obarakpo, called on participants to make best use of the conference by proffering solutions to the nation's problems of food insecurity.
Welcoming participants to the conference, the Dean of School of Applied Sciences of the Polytechnic, Dr. Jibrin Usman Idris, who doubled as the host of the conference, said that the choice of Prof. Shehu Abdul Rahman as the lead presenter, was based on his vast academic knowledge as well as his contribution in the agricultural sector.
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The event witnessed the presence of many dignitaries including the Emir of Nasarawa and former Minister of Environment, HRH Alhaji Ibrahim Usman Jibril, who was represented by the Durbin Nasarawa, Alhaji Dogara Jibrin, academicians as well as students of the polytechnic.
