Biotechnology Critical for Optimal Food Production- Farmers Association

Kabir Ibrahim, president of the Agriculture Farmers Association of Nigeria, has called on farmers to embrace the use of biotechnology and mechanization as well other innovations in the agricultural sector to boost food production in the country.

Kabir stated this during a press conference in Abuja, ahead of the forthcoming ‘National Agricultural Show.’

According to Ibrahim, there is a need for Nigerian farmers to shore up food production to meet the demand of the nation’s rising population which is estimated by the United Nations to reach as high as 377 million by 2050.

“Food sufficiency is possible in Nigeria when we embrace some form of biotechnology, mechanization, and use science technology innovation.

“There are many misconceptions about genetically modified organisms (GMO), and I understand that there is no connection between GMOs and any disease. And I tell farmers that the best way out of poverty is through GMOs. Where a parcel of land produces 1 ton per hectare with biotechnology, you can produce up to 18 tons.

“If biotechnology is embraced by farmers, it will improve production optimally. Agriculture business is a private sector. The government is only expected to provide an enabling environment for them to thrive,” he said.

Speaking further, Ibrahim stressed the need for the government to address the issue of insecurity in the country, stating that food security for Nigeria means contending with and stemming insecurity for farmers to produce optimally.

Businessday/Shakirat Sadiq