By Idris Umar, Zaria Professor Kabiru Bala expressed the university's fervent belief that these technologies are developed to alleviate ...
By Idris Umar, Zaria
Professor Kabiru Bala expressed the university's fervent belief that these technologies are developed to alleviate hunger and starvation, thereby ensuring food security amidst the challenges of insecurity in Nigeria.
Represented by the Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, Professor Mohammed Sani Shehu, he stated that IAR has become a household name among farming communities in terms of technology generation and dissemination.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasized the collective resolve to ensure the availability of food sustainably to enhance the academic and social well-being of all within the purview of ABU through the Agricultural Veterinary Complex research efforts.
In his address, the Executive Director of the Institute for Agricultural Research, Professor Ado Yusuf, highlighted the challenge of global warming resulting in droughts and floods, emphasizing the need to develop climate-resilient crops and technologies to save farmers from significant economic losses.
He noted that in the last decade, the institute has embraced cutting-edge technologies, including biotechnology tools, to develop and release climate-smart crop varieties for the benefit of farmers. Professor Ado added that IAR will continue its efforts in developing crop varieties that exhibit tolerance or resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses, such as drought, extreme heat, floods, pests, and diseases, to address the challenges of climate change.
According to him, IAR's crop varieties will be complemented by production technologies focusing on improved soil management and agronomic practices to maximize their potential, along with various simple tools designed to minimize labor in both crop production and post-harvest activities.
In his message, the Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, Prof. Garba Hamidu Sharubutu, highlighted IAR's pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of Nigeria's agricultural landscape.
Represented by Prof. Bello Abubakar Zaki, a Director in the Council, he commended IAR's steadfast commitment to advancing the frontiers of agricultural research and technology, noting their dedication, innovative spirit, and tireless efforts instrumental in driving sustainable economic development across Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary acknowledged and commended the remarkable strides made by the institute in fostering excellence in agricultural and technology development, emphasizing that their groundbreaking initiatives, cutting-edge research endeavors, and impactful interventions significantly contribute to the advancement of the agricultural sector.
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