The federal government and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector have stressed the need for the adoption of agriprenuership as the best option for making agriculture an attractive enterprise in Nigeria.
Speakers at the 2021 maiden Agriprenuership Summit held at Shabu Farms, Kokona LGA of Nasarawa State, made the submission in their presentations on Wednesday.
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The maiden annual summit was organised by the Association of Deans of Agriculture in Nigerian Universities (ADAN), Agriprenuership Academy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
The Minister of Agriculture, Alhaji Mohammed Sabo Nanono, who regretted the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on agricultural production, charged stakeholders to unlock the potentials in the sector by providing the resource base that would foster growth.
He described the summit as a pacesetter in providing the framework for youth empowerment and self-reliance.
Governor Abdullahi Sule, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, underscored the need for massive mechanisation and enhanced synergies between the agricultural and industrial sectors for better results.
Also speaking, co-convener of the summit and a former Governor of Nasarawa State, Sen Abdullahi Adamu, explained that the summit was intended to bring together academics, farmers and stakeholders in the agricultural value chain with a view to brainstorming on issues that affected agricultural production in the country and the role of youths in agriprenuership, especially in post-pandemic Nigeria.
In separate presentations, both the President, ADAN, Prof Musibau Adungbe Bamikole, and the Vice-Chancellor, Nasarawa State University, Prof Suleiman Bala Mohammed, pledged to support capacity development in agriculture.
On his part, the Emir of Keffi, Dr Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, called for concrete legislation that would improve aquaculture, agricultural biotechnology and massive women and youth involvement in agricultural ventures.
The summit which has as its theme: “Catalysing Post-COVID-19 Recoveries Through Agriprenuership Development: The Agribusiness Incubation Centres Model”, is expected to come out with resolutions that will be called the “Shabu Declaration 2021”.
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