By Abdul G Akanbi,Abuja

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has commended the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, ARCN, for its contributions in ensuring food security, enhancing the livelihoods of farmers, and fostering sustainable agricultural practices across the country.

Kyari gave the commendation on Thursday in Abuja while commissioning of the Veterinary Clinic, Fish Pond, Store Building by the ARCN and presentation of Renewed Hope Agricultural Technology Adoption Programme, RHATAP, which he described as a significant milestone in the continuous effort of the Council to strengthen the nation’s agricultural infrastructure.

“First and foremost, I wish to express my profound gratitude to the leadership and staff of ARCN for the unwavering commitment to advancing agricultural research, innovation and development in Nigeria.

“Your tireless efforts have not only contributed to growth of the agricultural sector but played a pivotal role in ensuring food security, enhancing the livelihoods of Nigeria farmers, and fostering sustainable agricultural practices across the country.

“Today’s event is a testament to shared vision of a prosperous agricultural sector that is well-equipped, to meet the challenges of the 21st century,” he said.

The minister noted that the facilities are a state-of-the-art Veterinary Clinic, “a well-constructed Fish Pond, and modern Store building that are not just physical structures, but are symbols of collective determination to provide the necessary support and infrastructure which our farmers, researchers, and agricultural stakeholders needed to thrive.”

“The Veterinary Clinic is particularly, significant as it underscores our commitment to improving animal health and ensuring the productivity of our livestock sector. Livestock farming is a critical component of the agricultural economy, contributing not only to food production but also to the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.

“By providing modern veterinary services, we are taking a vital step towards safeguarding the health of our livestock, preventing the spread of diseases, and ultimately boosting the productivity of this essential sector.

“Similarly, the Fish Pond that is being commissioned today represents our dedication to promote aquaculture as a viable and sustainable means of food production. Nigeria has vast aquatic resources, and the development of the aquacultural sector is crucial for increasing our fish production, reduction in our reliance on imports, and providing high-quality protein to our growing population.

“The Fish Pond would serve as both a research facility, and a demonstration center for showcasing best practices in fish farming and contributing to the training and capacity building of our farmers.

“The Store building, on the other hand, is essential for the efficient management and safekeeping of official items and resources necessary for the day-to-day running of the Council. This facility is crucial for the proper organization and storage of administrative materials, research equipment, and other official supplies that support the functioning of the Council.

“By providing a secure and well-organized space for these items, we are ensuring that ARCN staff have the resources they needed at their fingertips, enabling them to carry out their work effectively and efficiently,” he stressed.

The minister, however, informed that all these projects were approved by him before President Bola Tinubu created the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

Kyari said judging from the Act that established the ARCN, enough room has been created for very close collaboration between the three ministries if the reform intended by Mr. President are to achieved, adding that he had instructed all the Research Institutes to ensure climate adaptation with a view to ensuring climate smart agricultural practices in the country.

“I will like to assure Nigerians that hence forth the ministry will ensure adequate availability of viable seeds. In addition to the current improvement in enrollment in the Agricultural Colleges, enough middle level manpower will be produced that would serve as extension agents to properly guide our farmers. This will assist in reducing the farmers extension worker ratio,” he said.