The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammad Abubakar, says agriculture is critical for food production, economic development and research for greater productivity.
Abubakar said on Monday at the Foundation laying for the administrative block and inauguration of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria( ARCN) Communication Center (E-Library, Radio and Television stations) in Abuja.
He said research occupied a special place in the federal government’s schemes and added that the ministry’s priority was to reposition the agricultural research system for greater productivity.
The minister said it was to this end that President Muhammadu Buhari recently accented to the ARCN Amendment Bill 2021.
He said that the Act would go a long way in addressing the many challenges facing research in the country.
“Above all, it will better position research to play its role as the engine room for agricultural growth and development,” he said.
Speaking, Gov. Simon Lalong, of Plateau State, said the event was a historic one which was in tandem with the Federal Government’s determination to make agriculture the main driver of the economy.
“The significance of this event can’t be overemphasised,” he said.
Also, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture, expressed happiness to be part of the foundation laying of the Center, saying it was a dream come true.
He said the caliber of stakeholders at the occasion was a testimony of commitment to President Buhari’s determination to improve Agricultural production, food security and diversification of the economy.
Adamu urged agricultural stakeholders to collaborate in order to sustain the project and urged ARCN staff to be dedicated to their jobs.
He said that the National Assembly would continue to support the Research Council to realise its mandates.
Rep. Munir Dan-Agundi, (APC Kano), Chairman, House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, equally said the House Committee would do its best to ensure the Agency achieve its mandates.
