Minister of agriculture and food security, Abubakar Kyari, has charged the leadership of agricultural research institutes and colleges to refocus their efforts on developing improved seed varieties that can bolster national food security amidst growing climate challenges.
Speaking during his inaugural meeting with the new chairmen and chief executive officers of agencies and institutions under the ministry in Abuja, Kyari stressed the need for Nigeria to enhance agricultural research and seed breeding programmes to meet the rising demands of a growing population.
Kyari said Nigeria’s shrinking arable land, coupled with rapid population growth, demands urgent innovations in seed development.
He called on the agencies to produce seeds with shorter gestation periods and higher productivity to maximise the limited land resources available.
“Climate change is here to stay, we must adapt by breeding seeds that are drought-resistant, heat-tolerant and high-yielding, our research institutions must take the lead in delivering these solutions to Nigerian farmers,” the minister said.
Kyari also cautioned agency leaders against the misuse of budgetary allocations, particularly the inclusion of non-agricultural items in the budget of research-focused institutions.
While acknowledging the positive strides made under the current administration in less than two years, the minister said more needed to be done to stabilise food prices, ensure the welfare of both consumers and farmers and restore public confidence in agricultural institutions.
He said, “You have been appointed not only for your experience but also for your proven commitment during our collective efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Now is the time to bring that same energy to this ministry.
“Our budget should reflect our mandate, research institutes are not building contractors, we must focus on what matters, agricultural innovation and development.”
He also called for greater collaboration and open communication within the ministry, noting, “This is your home. Our doors are open for advice, clarification, and constructive dialogue, together, we can place Nigeria’s agriculture on the path to true transformation.”
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