FCTA To Strengthen Synergy With Agricultural Research Institutes

By: Zakari Aliyu

In its efforts to revitalize the Agricultural sector towards boosting food production and enhancing food security, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will strengthen the existing synergy with Agricultural Research Institutes across the country.

The Secretary, FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Lawan Kolo Geidam, gave this assurance during a visit to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, IITA in continuation of his familiarization tour of Agricultural facilities and institutions in the FCT.

Geidam said the critical role Research Institutes play in achieving sustainable Agricultural development cannot be overlooke; acknowledging the valuable expertise and resource, that they offer, particularly in sharing knowledge of agricultural innovations and technological practices amongst farmers in rural communities.

His words “The FCTA recognizes that a robust agricultural sector is vital for food security, economic growth, and job creation in FCT, that is grappling with rapidly increasing population and this is why it will be strengthening synergy with your institute as well as other relevant organisations so as to leverage on your knowledge and experience to address challenges and implement effective strategies for agricultural transformation”.

During the familiarization tour, which is aimed at enabling the Secretary gain first-hand insights into the existing agricultural landscape, identify areas for improvement, and assess the potential for collaboration with NGOs, the Secretary visited the FCT Livestock Markets in Kugbo and Dei-Dei, Nyanya Veterinary Clinic, Karu Abattoir, the Kado Fish Market among others.

At the Karu Abattoir, he told the butchers and Veterinary Doctors that the FCT Administration under the leadership of the Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, and the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, have given them matching order to implement programmes that will revitalize the sector; reiterating that a holistic approach will be articulated and presented to the Administration for implementation.

“Our plan in line with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration, is to reinvigorate the Agricultural sector to one that has the capacity to contribute to food security by increasing local production and reducing dependence on imported agricultural products as well as one that can create employment, improve income generation for farmers, and stimulate economic growth in rural areas”, Geidam emphasized.