There is also need for adequate budgetary provisions and prompt release of such fund, to promote research and development in agriculture at all levels of governance.
He suggested the establishment of Agriculture Trust Fund to support research, innovation and proven breakthroughs in various agricultural institutes as well as public and private universities that focus on agriculture.
The 2021 Agricultural Support Fund Bill at the National Assembly is a good initiative and in tune with this point, he added.
The lecturer also recommended improvement and expansion of agricultural land holdings to enhance increased access to critical factors of production.
He said Nigerians must embrace what he called hydroponic farming, to raise farmers output and reduce over-dependence on large acres of farmlands for crop production, especially in the light of the surging and frightening pace of national insecurity.
He stressed the need to boost farmers productive capacity with the use of improved farming techniques like tractors for clearing, cultivation and planting, that would ensure a complete departure from the use of hoes, cutlass and other obsolete farm tools.
He said the use of modern and functional irrigation system would also ensure optimal utilisation of the countrys water resource potentials for all-year-round crop production
The don added that the adoption of an advanced fishing farm technology would make Nigeria become Africas leading exporter of fish products. (NAN)
Source: NAN News