The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has said the ministry will continue to utilize space technology to boost vital sectors of the Nigerian Economy.
Dr. Onu disclosed this during the demonstration of the Automated Irrigation Technology Intervention System by the National Space Research and Development Agency in Abuja.
“With this system, we can have agriculture all-year-around, today we are growing more rice than we did previously and we are also making very important impact on other crops and it is very important for Nigerians to see that Space Science and Technology is very important in helping Nigeria to achieve rapid economic development,” the Minister said.
He further said that the application of space technology would further positively impact agriculture, national security, health services, education and manufacturing sector.
With Space technology and this latest innovation, Dr. Onu advised young Nigerians to take to farming and reap maximum benefits in terms of huge profits.
He said the application of space technology would also solve the drudgery of farming and enable young Nigerians to be self-reliant and boost Food security for the nation.
Earlier, the Director-General of National Space Research and Development Agency, Prof Mohammed Saidu, said that Automated Irrigation Technology Intervention System would make agriculture smarter, precise and attract young ones.
The device, Prof Saidu added, had been tested on different types of soil from organic, sandy and clay soil in the last six months, adding that it can be controlled from the comfort of one’s home.
