Food Security: Nigeria Can Boost Crop Production Through Biotechnology—–Expert
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Prof. Benjamin Ubi, Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, says Nigeria is capable of boosting its crop production through biotechnology in the efforts to achieve food security.
The theme of the event was “Crop Production Biotechnology and the Future of the Nigerian Food Basket”.
He explained that the inaugural lecture provided a golden opportunity to unveil one’s research career and a momentous occasion to celebrate shared success with colleagues.
It is a significant milestone in the career path of an academic and engenders visibility to his or her Department and University,” he added.
Ubi noted that the innovation in agricultural science and technology, including the deployment of biotechnology held the key in driving an evergreen revolution for food-secured Nigeria in the face of rapid rising population.
e urged government at all levels to encourage crop production through biotechnology applications, to meet the increasing dietary needs of the world.
“The future of Nigerian food basket lies with the deployment of agricultural technology, including crop production biotechnology, to accelerate the generic improvement and productivity of diverse crop resources.
Nigeria benefited from the deployment of science and technology, which brought about significant yield enhancements for rice, wheat, maize in the second half of the 20the century.
“There is need to enhance crop production and ameliorate the rising level of food and nutrition insecurity.
“The application of modern tools should be seen as an aid to conventional plant breeding and not a replacement,” Ubi added.
Vice-Chancellor of the University
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof Chigozie Ogbu, described the event as significant to the institution and to the nation at large in order to have food security.
Ogbu, also the Chairnan of the occasion said the application of biotechnology should also be encouraged among farmers in the country.
“We have had series of inaugural lectures and as young as our school, we are making remarkable progress.
The benefit of this lecture can not be over-emphasised in terms of food production,” he said.
By NAN
https://nnn.ng/food-security-nigeria-can-boost-crop-production-through-biotechnology-expert/
Ubi made the statement at the 20th Inaugural Lecture of the University on Thursday in Abakaliki