An agricultural expert, Dr Philips Nto, has called on the Nigerian government to utilise research findings from universities to enhance food security nationwide.
Dr Nto, a lecturer at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture and Director of the Agribusiness Incubation Centre, stated that many beneficial research results are gathering dust in libraries instead of being utilised to help farmers and boost food production. He made the call when his old schoolmates from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, visited him. He stated that many improved crops and farming methods have been overlooked by the government, even though they could help alleviate food shortages.
Dr Nto urged the government to celebrate and support researchers, just like developed countries do. He also encouraged other experts to advocate for the integration of agricultural research into policy and practice. His visitors praised his efforts to help local farmers with modern farming techniques.
