The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced the deployment of modern technology to revitalize Agricultural Development Programmes in the rural areas across the country to boost food production.
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Dr Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar stated this on Tuesday during a two day workshop for Agricultural Extension Workers in Lafia Nasarawa State capital.
Stakeholders in the agricultural sector including the academia, traditional rulers and local government chairmen as participants in the workshop with the theme “Repositioning the Agricultural Development Programmes, ADPs for Effective Extension Delivery System in Nigeria”
Addressing participants in the workshop, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar said the programme was part of efforts towards implementation of the recommendation of a Special Committee on Revitalization of Agricultural Extension Service set up by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.
Dr Mohammad Abubakar stated that President Muhammadu Buhari Administration had set up a blue print with focus on funding and mechanization of agriculture to fast track the drive toward transformation of the sector to ensure sustainable food production.
Deputy Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Nasarawa State Chapter, Mr Umar Arikya commended the federal government for the initiative aimed at mechanization of agriculture by reviving extension services.
Nasarawa State Commissioner for Agriculture and Water Resources, Mr Nuhu Oshafu noted that given the agrarian nature of the state, agriculture would continue to be of priority for economic prosperity.
The workshop which was part of efforts to reactivate the operations of Agricultural Development Programmes ADPs and extension services, focused on Strengthening the Agricultural Development Programmes for Effective Agricultural Extension Service Delivery at the Grassroots in Nigeria for National Agricultural Extension Development.
