In order to increase productivity in agriculture, the former Commissioner for Agriculture in Ogun State, Dr Adeola Odedina has stressed the need for training farmers and advancing agricultural technology.
Dr. Odedina made the call while delivering a lecture titled” Precision agriculture: Harnessing Technology For Efficient Food production” at the 2023 Biennial Conference held at Obafemi Awolowo University Institute of Agricultural Research and Training Moor Plantation(IAR&T) Ibadan, Oyo State.
He emphasized the importance of agricultural technology in the current economic landscape and listed important growth paths, such as the creation of specific agro-processing zones, export prospects, and direct foreign investment in agriculture.
The former Commissioner for Agriculture underscored the significance of precision agriculture in driving efficient food production and the overall success of the agricultural sector.
Odedina said “Agricultural Technology is the most important profession today. If you get it wrong in agricultural technology, there is no way forward.”
“There are about 100 errors that people commit when they plant cassava. Unless you take charge of these errors, you can’t be part of industrialization,” he asserted.
Dr. Odedina also encouraged participants to ensure that the insights gained from the conference are applied practically.
“Make sure whatever comes out of this conference is useful to you,” he advised, emphasizing the importance of translating knowledge into action for the benefit of the agricultural industry.
At the momentous ceremony the National Association of Agricultural Technologists of Nigeria (AATON) conferred the prestigious Award of Excellence upon Dr. Adeola Odedina with the honour presented by the Executive Director of IAR&T, Professor Veronica Obatolu.
The award cited Dr. Odedina’s Outstanding contributions to the Growth and Development of Agriculture in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.
It recognized his key contribution in promoting agricultural practises, supporting development, and leaving a lasting impact on the region’s agricultural economy.
