The federal government’s quest for sustainable food security will receive a boost next week when Agricultural scientists converge on Lafia, the Nasarawa state capital for their 57th conference.
Experts from universities, research institutions, and other allied industries are expected to deliberate on the thorny but elusive food security as well as other matters that will enhance food production in the country.
President of Agricultural Society of Nigeria, Professor Jude Mbanasor said the 57th Annual Conference of the body will afford them the opportunity to seek new partnership with government for the overall good of the country.
Prof Mbanasor disclosed that the theme for this year’s conference which is holding at the Federal University, Lafia from October 23 to October 27 is : STRENGTHENING AGRICULTURE FOR FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY, MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND EXPORT IN A CLIMATE CHANGE ENVIRONMENT.
According to him, experts in the various fields will deliver lectures after which a technical session would dissect them to arrive at proposals that will be submitted to government.
Prof Mbanasor said the Executive Secretary of Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, Prof Garba Hamidu Sharubutu has accepted to be the keynote Speaker at the event while the Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Lafia Prof Shehu Abdu Rahman ,is the chief host.
He listed other speakers to include, Dr Ibitoye Oyewale, Engr Umar Binodie and Prof Olumiyuwa James Jayeoba, among others.
Prof Mbanasor expressed appreciation to the government and people of Nasarawa state for accepting to host the conference,which he said is the first since the assumption of office of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, members were looking forward to this particular conference because of the current challenges facing the nation in food security.
He said the challenges had been exercebated by the climate change ,resulting in excessive flooding and other inhibitors of Agricultural growth.
The ASN President pledged that they will come out with far reaching proposals that will aid the government in finding solutions to the existential challenges.