‘Research strategic to growth in agricultural sector’

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Sabo Nanono, has harped on the inevitability of agricultural research, innovations and applied technologies in the food security drive of the country.

This was emphasised by Nanono when the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, led by the Deputy Director, Agricultural Development, Tom Kehoe, paid him a visit to discuss economic opportunities for smallholder farmers, assisting the government in the efforts towards creating a business climate that would attract private sector investments and produce innovations that would enable farmers to adapt to climate change.

Acquainting the minister with the purpose of his visit earlier, FAO’s Deputy Director Kehoe said, “Our investments are backing efforts to develop disease-resistant varieties that are more nutritious and can be easily processed to meet demands for cassava’s many commercial uses, which range from making bread and beer to bio-gradable packs.’’

He added that “We are increasingly viewing our agriculture investments through the lens of climate change and its impact on smallholder farmers. A key goal is to support innovations that can help farmers adapt.”