Following current security challenge that is threatening food security, a knowledge-driven agricultural practice is an imperative need, Senator Abba Moro has said.
Senator Abba Moro, representing Benue south made the observation on Tuesday during the lead debate on the bill for an Act to establish the federal college of agricultural technology, Opialu-Ojapo, Benue state which passed second reading at the Nigerian Senate.
He said the Bill is a bold stride towards, not only addressing the educational needs of the people of Benue State and by extension Nigerians, but it will also serve as training ground for the development of agriculturalists in the country.
Senator Moro, who is the sponsor of the bill which was read for the first time in the Senate on Wednesday, 26th January, 2022 noted that “the primary intent of the Bill is to establish the Federal College of Agricultural Technology, Opialu-Ojapo, to contribute to the development of Nigeria through training of qualitative manpower by adequate exposure to sound theoretical background, practical farm and field demonstration as well as knowledge capacity development for staff”.
Justifying the bill, the lawmaker noted that “agriculture with its allied sectors is undeniably the biggest livelihood provider in Nigeria, especially in the rural areas, and contributes significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product(GDP)”.
He explained that demand for agricultural products is daily on the increase with increase in population and per capital income and growing demand from industrial sectors.
Consequently, he added that “the Federal College of Agricultural Technology, Opialu-Ojapo, when established will train and produce morally sound graduates to become self-employed in the area of Science and Agriculture; establish linkages and collaboration with other policy makers, research institutes and training institutions; establish and manage modern standard livestock farms, veterinary clinics and diagnostic laboratories, produce technicians capable of carrying out routine preventive measures and advisory services in livestock, fishery and crop production.
He continued “it will promote capacity building through outreach programs, vocational training, continuous education among others in the area of Science and agriculture, promote youth development and empowerment opportunities through entrepreneurial and agricultural activities”.
He therefore urged his colleagues to support the bill. “I humbly urge you all to support this very essential bill and pass it accordingly”.
Meanwhile the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan in his remarks recommended the bill to the Senate committtee on agriculture for further legislative action.
