Agricultural production: Innovative technology catalyst for economic growth, national security-Alumni
The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka Alumni Association (FVMUNN) has identified adoption of innovative technology in agricultural production as a catalyst for economic growth and pillar of national security.
Prof. Lawrence Okonkwo, President of the association, said this at the maiden National Symposium and Annual General Meeting of FVMUNN on Thursday in Abuja.
The theme of the symposium is “Adopting Technological Innovation in Veterinary Practice, Livestock Production and General Agricultural Practices for food security, Economic Growth, Poverty Alleviation, Youth Empowerment and National Security”
The president said the symposium was an initiative to awaken the populace to the urgent need for a new revolution in technological-driven agricultural practices.
Okonkwo, who identified this period as an era marked by rapid technological advancement, said that agriculture remained the cornerstone of the nation’s economic stability and substance.
He, however, said that agriculture faces unprecedented neglect and challenges from climate change, population growth, resource depletion among others in spite of its huge potential.
“To navigate these challenges, we must move towards innovation and technology. This transition is not just an opportunity for growth but a necessity for our survival as a developing nation.
“The current state of agriculture in our country does not match the potential it has in revamping all aspects of our economy, food security, youth empowerment, poverty alleviation and national security, “he said.
Okonkwo said every country globally focused on their area of comparative advantage for better economic competition and growth.
He regretted that Nigeria has focused more on oil as her main source of revenue over the agricultural sector, which it has a comparative advantage over many countries.
Okonkwo identified Nigeria as the world’s largest producer of cassava with a production of 60,000 metric tons in 2020, based on the World Population Review and the Food and Agricultural Organisation,
The president said the production capacity could be increased in 10 folds if the nation adopts innovative technological approaches at all levels, specifically at the grassroots.
“We must awaken our consciousness to our endowment and great advantages as a potential first runner in the global agricultural revolution.
“We have looked away for too long from our area of comparative advantage over many nations of the world to our economic peril.
“The only option left to revive our economy, positively engage our teeming youth population, and foster national security is a collective resolve to explore, expand and harness our vast agricultural potentials.
“To achieve this, we must create a culture of non-oil economic diversification where a trajectory of agricultural revolution must not only be a new norm but also sustainable at all costs, ” he said.
Prof. Chinedu Eze, Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka said the national symposium was a clarion call to all and sundry to address the food crises currently bedeviling the nation. (NAN)
