THE Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), Abuja chapter, has urged the Federal Government to take practical steps to ensure safety and quality of foods in the country.

Mrs Vera Ezeh, the Chairperson of the institute, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

Ezeh advised on the federal government to synergise existing overlap of functions between government agencies involved with the implementation of “Good Agricultural Practices’’.

“The environment is full of pests that destroy crops, and recently farmers observe resistant pests in farm areas.

“The soils are inundated with all sorts of uncontrolled chemical fumigants that affect crops in the long run, while farm produce are usually not displayed properly; no compliance to good hygienic practices.

“Overlap of functions in the duties of government organisations mars the performance of farming activities.

“There is need for synergy on the existing overlap of functions between government agencies involved with the implementation of good agricultural practices for optimal performance,’’ she said.

She called for a conducive environment for farmers to operate more effectively.

“Government should end insecurity in the country so that farmers can return fully to farming activities.

“Government should also provide enabling environment for farmers to operate especially farm clearing, improved seedlings availability, elimination of fake farm inputs,’’ she said.

She suggested the establishment of “Food Scientific Officer’’ cadre in all states and local government councils to promote the extension of advances and research findings available on improved food products and processing technologies.

NAN recalls that the institute and stakeholders held a roundtable discussion with the theme: “National Food Quality Management: On-Farm Prospects and Challenges”, in Abuja on May 15. (NAN)

– May 24, 2019 @ 13:05 GMT |