By Odita Sunday
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s agricultural sector have called for increased investment in research, innovation and strategic partnerships to drive food security, create jobs and strengthen the country’s agricultural value chain.
The call was made during Nigeria Day at the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week, where universities, colleges of agriculture and research institutes showcased home-grown technologies designed to improve productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and expand agribusiness opportunities.
Presenting a paper titled “Success Stories of Agricultural Innovations by Agricultural Institutions,” the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Olusola Babatunde Kehinde, said agricultural institutions have evolved beyond teaching to become centres of innovation capable of addressing farmers’ challenges and accelerating national development.
He described agriculture as Nigeria’s most strategic sector, noting that despite challenges such as low productivity, climate change, inadequate mechanisation and post-harvest losses, research and innovation remain critical to transforming the sector.
”Our agricultural institutions are no longer just centres of learning; they are engines of innovation, enterprise development and human capital capable of transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector through research-driven solutions,” Kehinde said.
He highlighted FUNAAB’s innovations in cassava processing, maize value addition and horticultural preservation, including the production of odourless fufu, cassava bread, garri, honey, processed cashew nuts and refined palm wine.
According to him, the technologies have reduced post-harvest losses, improved product shelf life and stimulated the growth of agro-based small and medium-scale enterprises.
Kehinde added that farmers adopting the university’s cassava processing technologies have recorded income increases of up to 60 per cent, while graduate-led agribusiness ventures are creating employment opportunities and strengthening local value chains.
He urged the Federal Government to increase investment in agricultural research, biotechnology, digital agriculture and agripreneurship while providing policy support to enable institutions commercialise their innovations.
Representing Provosts of Colleges of Agriculture in Nigeria, Prof. Jonathan Atungwu described agricultural colleges and research institutes as catalysts for national development, saying they have become centres where scientific discoveries are translated into practical solutions for farmers.
He cited the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) as an example, noting that improved cassava varieties developed by the institute have significantly increased yields, while its Youth Agripreneurs Programme has equipped young Nigerians with skills to establish successful agribusinesses.
Atungwu called for stronger collaboration among universities, research institutes, government and the private sector to accelerate agricultural transformation.
Also speaking on behalf of agricultural research institutes, the Executive Director of the Nigerian Institute of Horticultural Research (NIHORT), Prof. Muhammed Lawal Atanda, highlighted several indigenous technologies developed to improve productivity and farmers’ livelihoods.
He disclosed that one of the institute’s major innovations—a mechanised yam mound-making technology capable of producing about 2,650 yam mounds daily—has already been adopted by Obasanjo Farms, six other farmers and Egypt-based Tanta Motors for mass production under a public-private partnership.
According to him, the technology has increased yam yields by 35 per cent and farmers’ incomes by 20 per cent while reducing labour constraints associated with yam cultivation.
Atanda also highlighted the contributions of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), noting that its post-harvest technologies, including solar dryers, Ice Fish Boxes and hermetic storage systems, have recorded over 80 per cent acceptance nationwide.
He said the innovations are helping to reduce food spoilage, extend the shelf life of agricultural produce and minimise dependence on chemical pesticides.
The stakeholders agreed that scaling up indigenous agricultural innovations through increased investment, favourable policies and stronger public-private partnerships remains essential to achieving sustainable food security, economic growth and improved livelihoods across Nigeria.
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