Experts want govt to address food imports for economic growth
Stakeholders have implored Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to establish more fresh food hubs in the state for more farmers and traders to enable them to provide for residents fresh, quality and hygienic food.
They made the call, at the weekend, during the kick off of the 20 Saturdays Fresh Food Produce Fair at the Fresh Food Hub, Mushin, Lagos. The stakeholders commended the governor for establishing the first food hub in Mushin but more are needed for better impact.
General Secretary, Poultry Farmers Association, Foluso Adams, said that the establishment of the food hub would be worthy of emulation, calling for the establishment of more.
Also, a fish and mushroom farmer, Chinaza Asonye, said that the fresh food hub would provide an opportunity for farmers in Lagos State to showcase what they have been farming and to also get off-takers that will off-take their produce.
Another farmer cum trader, Mukaila Saliu, who commended the idea of the food hub, was optimistic that it would promote better sales of farm produce.
General Manager of Lagos State Coconut Development Authority, Dapo Olakulehin, said that the fresh food produce fair is organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture to bring farmers producing fresh produce in Lagos State to display their products to residents.
MEANWHILE, CGIAR Executive Managing Director, Ismahane Elouafi, has urged the government to address reliance on food imports for economic prosperity.
Elouafi also urged the need to capitalise on Africa’s fertile land and educate youths on science and innovation.
Elouafi said that with the impact of research centres like International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the necessity of transforming agriculture into a more efficient, inclusive and resilient industry through united effort, collaboration and integration among African nations, would reduce poverty and inequalities.
She lamented the issues of yield gaps and challenges posed by high costs owing to heavy reliance on imports in resource development and technology deployment.
Director General of IITA, Simeon Ehui, also emphasised the urgent need for collective action to address the plight of over three million people going hungry daily in Africa.
