By Our Correspondent
National News – The National Assembly and agricultural research institutions have pledged stronger collaboration to improve food security, modern farming methods, and agricultural legislation in Nigeria.
The commitment was announced on Monday during a press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists secretariat in Iyaganku, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District, said the partnership would focus on connecting farmers with research-based innovations, improving food production, and reducing post-harvest losses across the country.
Alli explained that development organisations had already begun supporting farmers with land preparation, cultivation, harvesting, and access to profitable markets.
He added that solar-powered dryers would soon be introduced to preserve agricultural produce and reduce waste after harvest.
The lawmaker stressed that many Nigerian farmers still lack access to modern farming knowledge despite several breakthroughs recorded by local research institutions.
According to him, effective legislation and stronger institutional support are necessary to improve agricultural education, research collaboration, and national food security.
He noted that Nigerian scientists had developed improved varieties of cocoa and cassava capable of increasing yields and boosting farmers’ income.
However, he expressed concern that many local farmers remained unaware of these innovations.
Alli also lamented Nigeria’s declining dominance in global agriculture, recalling how Malaysia obtained oil palm seedlings from Nigeria decades ago but later surpassed the country in palm oil production through research and investment.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Oyo State, Akeem Abas, praised the initiative and said the large turnout of journalists reflected public interest in reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Officials from the National Horticultural Research Institute and the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria also called for improved coordination, funding, and private sector participation in agricultural research to boost local food production and address rising food prices nationwide.
