FG seeks foreign partnership for agric genetic content to commodity varieties

From Okwe Obi, Abuja

The Federal Government has sought international collaboration in the areas of research and technology to enhance the genetic content of agricultural commodity varieties.

Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security Abdullahi Sabi stated this in Abuja at the Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Nigerian Women for Agricultural Progressives and Development Initiative (NWAPDI).

Represented by the Director of Planning and Policy Coordination, Ibrahim Tanimu, he said: “The steps for advancing science and technology in the country include strengthening research collaborations among national and international institutions, infusing potent and proven traditional and modern techniques, improving the genetic content of agricultural commodity varieties, encouraging public-private partnerships for adaptive research, and enhancing the commercialisation process of potent research findings.”

NWAPDI Founder and National Coordinator, Omolara Svensson, said that in the last year, the organisation has empowered women farmers and youths across the country.

Svensson assured Nigerians that she would continue to assist farmers, especially women farmers.

Speaking on some of the projects embarked upon by NWAPDI, she said: “AgriCert, an escrow account with the Isle of Man government, is designed to bridge gaps between off-takers and farmers, enhancing commodity exports.

“The Real-Time Farming App is a cutting-edge application providing traceability, crop monitoring, and real-time data for women in farming.

“The FarmRNG Project is an initiative that promises to revolutionise the agricultural landscape with advanced technology and sustainable practices.”