Mechanised agriculture, key to tackling food insecurity – Gov. Zulum
Story from Christine TOBECHUKWU, Abuja
In a bid to enhance food security in the country, the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has advocated for the adoption of industrialised agriculture.
This call to action came during his address on Monday in Abuja, coinciding with the swearing-in ceremony of the new Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, and his Minister of State, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi.
Governor Zulum expressed concerns that the current palliative measures initiated by President Bola Tinubu would not suffice in addressing Nigeria’s food security and other challenges.
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He highlighted Nigeria’s abundant arable land and water resources and urged the Ministry to focus on long-term solutions to combat hunger and ensure food security.
According to him, the current palliatives rolled out by the federal government would not solve problems of food insecurity and other challenges because it is a short-term solution.
He said: “It is clear that palliatives will never solve our problems because these are shorter terms solutions, we must look for medium and longer-term solutions that would address insecurity, food insecurity in Nigeria.
“Therefore, the only alternative we have is to invest in commercial agriculture, modern agriculture, irrigated agriculture, green technology, emerging technology, harvesting rain water, and among others.
“That is the only solution. Our population is growing in quick geometric direction while our food supply is dwindling, and unless something is quickly done we will never get rid of these problems.
“Therefore, it is my sincere hope that the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, and the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security and indeed the technocrats that are here to put heads together with a view of repositioning the nation’s industry.”
“We must look for medium – and longer-term solutions that would address insecurity and food insecurity in Nigeria.
“Therefore, the only alternative we have is to invest in commercial agriculture, modern agriculture, and irrigated agriculture.
“Also, investment should be made in green technology, emerging technology, harvesting rain water, and among others. That is the only solution.
“Our population is growing in quick geometric direction while our food supply is dwindling, and unless something is quickly done, we will never get rid of these problems.
“Therefore, it is my sincere hope that the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security and indeed the technocrats that are here put heads together with a view to repositioning the nation’s industry”.
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