Abuja: Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa has pledged collaboration with the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) on agriculture and biotechnology to foster socioeconomic development of the state. Namadi made the pledge when he visited the agency in Abuja. The governor said that biotechnology research and development was key to the socioeconomic development of any nation.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Namadi requested for improved seeds for Jigawa, adding that as an agrarian state, its farmers required cutting edge science and technologies to boost their productivity. He emphasized that agriculture had the highest budget next to education and stated that a significant percentage of the population in Jigawa are farmers. Namadi highlighted the importance of improved seeds for successful growth in the sector.
The governor stressed the need for the nation's farmers to have access to high quality and high yielding seeds. He also pointed out the necessity of finding a solution to chemical fertiliser to overcome food production challenges in Nigeria. Namadi expressed his enthusiasm about NBRDA's activities and mentioned his plans to facilitate a presentation by the agency during one of the Governors Forum meetings.
Namadi identified additional collaboration areas such as enhancing soil fertility, training of extension workers, fishery, livestock production, clean energy, and biogas. Earlier, Mustapha, the NBRDA Director-General, led the governor through a presentation on the agency's operations. Mustapha highlighted the four strategic departments of the agency: agricultural biotechnology, industrial, environmental, and medical.
Mustapha noted that challenges such as lack of quality seeds, pest and diseases, climate change, and post-harvest losses have hindered agricultural growth in the country. He explained that the agency has been focusing on improving crop yield, soil resilience, and soil fertility management. Mustapha also mentioned the agency's offerings in climate smart agriculture.