FUNAAB DVC urges revamp of agriculture system to boost food production

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Prof. Kolawole Adebayo, has urged the government to revamp and strengthen the agricultural extension system to enable Nigerian farmers to maximise opportunities for increased food production.

Speaking on Saturday at the first reunion anniversary of the 1986 set of the University of Ife School of Agriculture, now the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Adebayo expressed concern over the diversion of government support away from genuine farmers.

Delivering a lecture titled “Networking Through Alumni Association for Entrepreneurial Opportunities and Development”, Adebayo decried the neglect of real farmers, stressing the need for targeted interventions.

“Nigerian farmers have a comparative advantage that no other country can compete with, but the real farmers are taken for granted,” he said.
He lamented that many genuine farmers are too busy with their work to pursue government benefits, adding: “Even when opportunities arise, they are often misdirected to those who are not genuine farmers.”

Adebayo called on the government to deploy agricultural extension officers directly to farms rather than relying on bureaucratic processes.

“Unfortunately, the extension system has been watered down. The government must strengthen it to achieve meaningful impact,” he added.
He also criticised the reliance on imported rice during periods of food shortages.

“When our leaders imported rice to address hunger, who grew that rice? If Nigerian farmers had been contracted to produce it, with proper extension support, they would have benefited, and the economy would have been strengthened,” he said.

Former Commissioner for Agriculture in Ondo State and fellow alumnus of the college, Dr. Samson Odedina, echoed Adebayo’s sentiments.

He underscored the importance of supporting farmers at all levels to enhance food security.

“Support for farmers globally is non-negotiable. It is critical to ensuring food security and boosting the economy,” Odedina said.

He advised young Nigerians to explore opportunities in agriculture, emphasising its profitability and potential.

Odedina also urged the government to consult seasoned experts rather than relying on superficial knowledge from online sources to develop the sector.