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The Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA), Katsina State has engaged experts in a one-day international symposium to discuss ways to encourage smart agriculture in Nigeria.
FUDMA organized the symposium in Katsina state in collaboration with Islamic World Educational, Science and Cultural Organization, Morocco.
The theme of the event is: ”Emerging Technologies for Smart and Sustainable Agriculture: Balancing Productivity and Environmental Responsibility”.
In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Armaya’u Hamisu-Bichi, said that the theme resonated deeply in their quest for innovation, efficiency and sustainability within the agricultural sector.
“In an era where our world is confronted with numerous challenges ranging from population growth to climate change, it is imperative to harness the potential of emerging technologies. Smart agriculture, which integrates cutting-edge technologies such as Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence and data analytics has the power to revolutionize farming practices, increase productivity, optimize resource management and enhance overall efficiency. Simultaneously, we must strive to strike a delicate balance between productivity and environmental responsibility.
“It is through collective efforts and comprehensive strategies that we can attain this delicate equilibrium, fostering harmonious coexistence between agricultural production and environmental preservation,” he said.
The vice chancellor further said that the symposium served as a platform for experts, scholars, researchers and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to share knowledge, experiences and insights.
In a keynote address, Dr Inuwa Kashifu, the Director-General, National Information Technology and Development Agency (NITDA) said that the event came at the right time.
Represented by Dr Aminu Lawal-Idah, his Senior Assistant on Digital Information, Kashifu said that every sector and industry had been impacted by the digital age and agriculture was not an exception.
According to him, agriculture has witnessed shifts from primitive to mechanized farming and now digital farming era.
“In smart farming, the focus is on capturing data and interpreting them using computing technologies to make farm operations more predictable and efficient.
“With the world population predicted to reach 9.2 billion by 2050 and the way climate change is hitting hard, there is an urgent need for the agriculture ecosystem to help the world prepare for these unavoidable realities,” he said.
he NITDA boss further said that digital technologies were critical enablers of agriculture transformation for increased food production to meet global challenge of feeding the world’s growing population.
He added: “One of the major problems farmers are facing are access to the right and real-time information that will help to improve production, access to finance, improve seeds and markets.
“In Nigeria, there is a need to increase the production and profitability of farmers, increase the impact of agriculture intervention, attract youths and talents into agribusinesses, and use agriculture to diversify the economy through digital technology.
“Agriculture, if properly harnessed and technologies and innovations effectively introduced, the sector remains the number one for taking 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years and creating large, well-paying jobs for youths”.
He urged state governments to domesticate and adopt the Nigeria Startup Act to provide opportunity for the youths to utilize the technology.
In his remarks, Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State, promised his administration’s commitment to agriculture.
Radda, represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Alhaji Mukhtar Saulawa, said that since his inauguration on May 29, he had visited about three agricultural sites in the state.
He said that the visit showed his eagerness to improve the sector.
The governor assured that his administration was ready to partner with development partners willing to assist in enhancing the agricultural sector in the state.
Some of the specialists engaged include; Prof. Adel Smeda, an Information Communication Technology expert with ICESCO, and Kashifu, among others from across Nigerian universities.
NAN / Foluke Ibitomi/ VON