We need friendly policies to promote sustainable agricultural practices – NIFST

The Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), Lagos State Chapter, has urged the Federal Government to initiate more friendly policies to promote sustainable agricultural practices by farmers.

Mr Olugbenga Aina, the Lagos State Chapter Chairman, NIFST, said this during the 10th Regional Food Science and Technology Summit/NIFST Day celebration on Thursday in Lagos.

The theme of the event was, “Attaining Sufficient, Safe and Healthy Food for Nigerians Through Food Science and Technology.”

According to him, farmers are responsible for producing the food that feeds the population.

Aina said that ensuring that farmers had the resources and support they needed to produce an adequate supply of food was essential for national food security.

He noted that supporting farmers could help stabilise rural economies, create jobs and contribute to overall economic growth.

He explained that many farmers lived in rural areas where economic opportunities may be limited, adding that by supporting farmers, governments could help promote rural development.

“Presently the government needs to deal with the insecurity that is affecting farmers and keeping them from farming.

“We need food, especially now when there is inflation, insecurity and food hunger in the land.

“This is one of the reasons why we are gathered here today to discuss this issues; food safety and security are two intertwined topics that are crucial to the development of any country,” he said.

On cholera, the chairman said promoting good hygiene practices among communities was key to preventing further transmission of the disease.

Aina said the government had done a lot in creating awareness on the need for citizens to maintain good hygiene.

He, however, said that eating food bought from the road could make people subsceptible to cholera.

Aina advised that people should not consume food bought from the road without knowing how it was prepared.

He said the environment or the kind of water used to prepare food was vital.

The chairman said other causes of cholera included eating of uncooked and contaminated foods.

He also advised that people should always wash their hands at all times before eating.

On empowerment, he said that NIFST, through it partnerships with businesses, industries and government agencies had been able to provide job opportunities for over 100 youths between last year and 2024.

In his address, the National President of NIFST, Prof. Abu Oneh, said that academic institutions and research organisations must continue to lead in scientific research, development and innovations needed to address the current and future challenges of food security.

He also said private sector partners, including food producers, processors and retailers must play the crucial role of bringing innovation to the market and ensure its widespread adoption.

Also, Mrs Taiwo Ubany, the Local Organising Chairperson, said it was necessary for Nigeria to be able attain production of safe and healthy foods.

She noted that there were so many technologies that were available or could be employed to ensure food safety and security in Nigeria.

According to her, Nigeria is a food basket, adding that we have the people and the soil, all we need to do is harness the resources along with technology in order to cater for the needs of Nigerians.

She said food sufficiency was key, and that food was available but not getting to the people because of so many issues.

Mrs Veronica Alaba, NIFST Adviser, said that the government needed to find a lasting solution to the issue of terrorism which was hindering farmers from planting crops.

According to her, the attacks have made so many farmers to stop cultivating crops, which in turn has led to food inflation.