The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) says the Agrictech innovations will promote the achievement of sustainable food production and sufficiency in the country, if they are properly applied.

Chief Femi Oke, the Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of AFAN, said this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday.

He said that the application of good innovations and technologies in agriculture would facilitate the development of the agriculture sector, while encouraging new entrants into agribusinesses across the country. 

Agritech is the use of modern technologies in agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture, with the aim of improving yield, efficiency and profitability. It can be products, services or applications derived from agriculture that improve various input or output processes.

Oke said: “Agrictech development is inevitable, going by the drive by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration which promotes agriculture as the mainstay of the country’s economy.

“Innovation and technology are a good means of developing the agricultural sector. Modern technologies in agriculture are currently encouraging more farmers to engage in more farming activities.

“We have passed the era of cultivating one hectare or two hectares with available technologies. Therefore, as agricultural technologies continue to improve, farmers should be able to expand their farming activities and cultivated areas.

“Besides, conferences such as the `Meet the Farmer’s Conference and Training’ are helping farmers to increase their output, while improving their knowledge about modern agricultural technologies that are currently available.’’

Oke urged farmers, particularly members of AFAN, to embrace modern agricultural technologies.

“Farmers should accept and embrace new technologies to increase their productivity and boost the country’s food security,’’ he added. (NAN)

– Oct. 30, 2018 @ 14:45 GMT |