By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari has charged Agricultural Research Institutes to develop climate smart seeds to enhance food and nutrition security and economic growth.
According to the statement released on official X account of the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, e’signed by the Acting Director, Information, For: Director, Information, Ezeaja Ikemefuna on Tuesday, the Hon. Minister made this call during the meeting with newly appointed Board Chairmen of Agricultural Research Institutes and Colleges held in Abuja, recently.
Sen. Kyari stated that there is a need for the chairmen of the Boards of Agricultural Research Institutes and Colleges to work closely with their institutions to develop climate-smart seeds that would help tackle Nigeria’s food security challenges.
The minister said that ‘’ “Climate change is here to stay, we must adapt by breeding seeds that are drought-resistant, heat-tolerant and high-yielding, our research institutions must take the lead in delivering these solutions to Nigerian farmers’’
He tasked the agencies to produce seeds with shorter gestation periods and higher productivity to maximize the limited land resources available.
Kyari appealed for collaboration and open communication with the ministry, noting, “This is your home. Our doors are open for advice, clarification, and constructive dialogue. Together, we can place Nigeria’s agriculture on the path to true transformation.”
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi stated that ‘’the focus of the ministry is on food security, the priorities of the ministry will also be shared with you in due course and a retreat to harmonize their mutual thoughts to drive the sector’’
Responding on behalf of the newly appointed Board Chairmen, the Chairman, Rubber Research Institute, Edo State, Mr. Ogar Eba said that there is a need for collaboration between the ministry and board chairmen with the aim of achieving food sovereignty.
He expressed enthusiasm that with the appointment of experienced board chairmen, the ministry is poised to achieve its goals and deliver on its promises to the Nigerian people.
