The current state of insecurity, resource degradation, rapid population growth, diseases, climate change, among other forces have affected the practice of Agriculture and crippled food supplies with the poor bearing the most brunt.
This were experts views in the agribusiness sector while calling on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgent national importance check the high spade of insecurity and internal conflicts in the country .
The call was made at a one-day Agritalk Conference in Abuja which aim is to find lasting solution to the nation’s internal conflicts and insecurity in order to move from subsistence to value-added farming.
Addressing the occasion, the Managing Director, AVAS Consulting Limited, Michael Kadiri, who revealed that 70% of Nigerians practice various forms of subsistence farming noted that if properly harnessed would help meet the country’s food security goal as well as contribute to the gross domestic product.
He said his organisation would look at more innovative ways to maximize food production in the country as plans are underway to help rural communities and small farmers in conflict territories.
As for the Chief Executive Officer, Plant For Peace, James Brett who noted that through his activities in war-torn Afghanistan, communities have been empowered to become self-sufficient through sustainable agriculture and trade.
He added that it is necessary to start promoting agriculture in rural communities to achieve food sufficiency and security in the country. On his part, the Chief of Defence staff, General Lucky Irabor who was represented by Rear Admiral Adeseye Ayobanjo noted that Agriculture and Rural Development remains a viable components of National economy growth.
He said the Armed Forces and other security agencies have applied both kinetic and non kinetic means to address the issue of insecurity which has affected food supply.
Highlight of the event was the exhibition of Natural Foods produced from crops and a playlet that depicts the theme of the conference.
The theme of the one-day conference is, “Advancing Nigeria’s Agriculture and Rural Development in the Midst of Conflict’’.