Jigawa State Governor Malam Umar Namadi has warned that traditional farming methods can no longer withstand the growing threats posed by climate change, calling for the adoption of modern agricultural technologies to guarantee food security in Nigeria.
The governor stated this on Monday while delivering an address at the 11th National Annual Conference of the Crop Science Society of Nigeria (CSSN), held at the Federal University Dutse in Jigawa State.
Speaking on the theme, “Advancing Sustainable Crop and Climate-Smart Technology for Food Security and Economic Growth,” Namadi said climate change was increasingly threatening agricultural productivity, making it necessary for farmers to embrace scientific innovations.
“A farmer with a hoe and old seeds cannot out-produce climate change. Only through science, research and development can we give farmers drought-tolerant, early-maturing, high-yielding varieties,” he said.
The governor expressed concern that Nigeria’s rapidly growing population was placing increasing pressure on domestic food production, while climate change continued to threaten traditional farming practices.
He stressed that the government and the scientific community must work together to develop sustainable solutions capable of improving food production, protecting the environment and creating economic opportunities for young people.
He urged members of the Crop Science Society of Nigeria to prioritise research into heat- and drought-tolerant crop varieties, soil fertility improvement, affordable post-harvest technologies and improved seed systems.
The governor maintained that scientific discoveries must move beyond research institutions to provide practical solutions that improve farmers’ productivity and incomes.
He said agricultural transformation could only be achieved through effective leadership, scientific innovation and sustained investment.
Adopt modern farming technologies to tackle climate change – Gov Namadi urges farmers