Alli Laments Disconnect Between Farmers, Research Institutes Ahead Of National Agricultural Summit
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN — THE Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, on Monday lamented the widening disconnect between local farmers and agricultural research institutes in Nigeria, saying many farmers remain unaware of modern innovations and improved seedlings developed by researchers.
Alli spoke at a media parley organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, at Iyaganku, Ibadan, ahead of the maiden National Legislative Summit on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions scheduled to begin on Tuesday at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan.
The senator, who is also a leading governorship aspirant in the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), cited improved cocoa varieties capable of fruiting within 18 months as against the traditional seven years, alongside newly developed cassava species, as examples of innovations yet to reach many local farmers.
According to him, the summit is aimed at bringing together agricultural research institutes, colleges, development partners, embassies and policymakers to deliberate on food security, agricultural legislation, research collaboration and youth empowerment.
Alli disclosed that more than 28 agricultural institutions, about 12 embassies and several international development organisations, including the European Union, GIZ, the British High Commission and the Malaysian Embassy, are expected to participate in the summit.
He added that agricultural desk officers from different embassies would also attend to explore areas of international collaboration and partnership.
The lawmaker explained that the summit, organised by the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, became necessary following a retreat held by the committee in December with support from development partners, including PLAC and UK-based collaborators.
He said the gathering would focus on strengthening legislative frameworks guiding agricultural institutions, research centres and agencies in order to improve food security across the country.
“All that we do without research is guesswork,” Alli said.
He stressed the need for stronger synergy among research institutes, farmers, the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
The senator expressed concern over Nigeria’s declining fortunes in agriculture despite its historical leadership in the sector.
He recalled that Malaysia obtained oil palm seedlings from Nigeria decades ago but has since overtaken the country in palm oil production.
Alli blamed the situation on poor policy implementation, inadequate support for research institutions and social divisions that continue to hinder national development.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to support farmers and unemployed youths through partnerships with development organisations aimed at providing mechanised farming support, land preparation services, harvesting assistance and market access.
According to him, the initiative is targeted at young people and women in a bid to boost participation in agriculture and tackle unemployment.
The senator further revealed that solar-powered dryers had been introduced in some communities to reduce post-harvest losses and improve food preservation.
He called on journalists to give the summit wide publicity in order to draw attention to the challenges confronting agricultural institutions and the need for increased funding and stakeholder support.
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of the NUJ Oyo State Council, Comrade Akeem Abas, described the summit as a timely intervention capable of enhancing food security and agricultural productivity in Nigeria.
Abas commended Senator Alli for what he termed transformational leadership and commitment to institutional reforms.
He noted that the attendance of about 64 media organisations at the parley reflected journalists’ confidence in the senator’s initiatives.
The NUJ chairman expressed optimism that the summit would produce outcomes capable of repositioning Nigeria as a major agricultural force in Africa.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the National Horticultural Research Institute, Professor Mohammed Lawal Atanda, described the summit as the first of its kind in Nigeria’s agricultural research sector.
According to him, the event would strengthen legislative frameworks and provide a roadmap for sustainable development in agricultural research and training institutions.
Atanda noted that Nigerian research institutes possess highly skilled professionals and globally recognised innovations but suffer from inadequate visibility and coordination.
In his contribution, Acting Executive Director of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Dr Adedeji Abiodun Rasheed, called for greater private sector involvement in funding research and development.
He argued that government alone could not shoulder the responsibility of revitalising research institutions, urging companies and entrepreneurs benefiting from agricultural products to support research efforts.
Rasheed maintained that Nigeria still has the manpower and expertise needed to restore the lost glory of its agricultural institutions.
Similarly, Professor Oluwatosin Gabriel of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training stressed that research remains central to national development and food security.
He commended Senator Alli for initiating the summit and championing legislation aimed at strengthening agricultural research and policy implementation nationwide.
The summit is expected to continue throughout the week with discussions focusing on food production, research commercialisation, youth empowerment, international partnerships and sustainable agricultural development.