ASHENEWS reports that Plant science experts have highlighted how artificial intelligence (AI) and new technology can change how researchers can study plants and improve farming in Nigeria, making it more sustainable and effective.
The experts stated this during the 30th Annual Conference of the Botanical Society of Nigeria (BOSON) held at Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero. The theme of the conference is “Plants for a Sustainable and Healthier Future”.
The conference attracted a mix of students, researchers, and plant specialists who explored innovative strategies to enhance national health and economic prosperity through modern plant science. A major focus of the conference was the integration of AI into plant research.
A Lecturer from the Federal University of Technology Babura in Jigawa State, Mallam Bala Sidi Aliyu elaborated on the critical role AI plays in modern agriculture. Speaking with ASHENEWS, Aliyu outlined how AI technologies can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of plant disease management.
“AI’s capability to analyze vast datasets allows us to predict plant disease outbreaks, facilitating early interventions that can mitigate economic and food security impacts.
“AI-powered image recognition tools can rapidly identify plant diseases and pests, enabling quick diagnosis and treatment. This reduces the need for labour-intensive and time-consuming manual monitoring,” he said.
One of the Speakers at the conference, Professor Ahmed Kutama from Federal University, Dutse highlighted the critical socio-economic consequences of plant diseases.
“Plant diseases can lead to significant crop failures and reduced yields, severely impacting food availability and driving up prices. This can have devastating effects on food security, especially in vulnerable communities,” Kutama explained.
He further noted, “Economic losses from these diseases can ripple through farmers’ livelihoods, agricultural industries, and national economies, affecting trade and GDP growth.”
Motunrayo Lateefat Abisola, a student from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, expressed her enthusiasm for the conference’s insights into the latest technological advancements in plant science.
“The conference was incredibly insightful. Learning about the role of AI and other advanced tools in plant research has been invaluable. As an aspiring plant scientist, these technologies are pivotal for our future,” Abisola shared with ASHENEWS.
Throughout the conference, experts advocated for several strategic recommendations to bolster plant research and development in Nigeria emphasising the need for adopting AI and other advanced tools.
Some of the recommendations include leveraging AI for data analysis and disease prediction, utilizing AI-driven image recognition and sensors for continuous monitoring of plant health, and establishing robust partnerships between academic institutions, government bodies, and private sector stakeholders. Other recommendations include investing in education and training for the next generation of plant scientists and passing policies that promote research funding and encourage the adoption of advanced technologies.
The insights and strategies discussed at the BOSON conference highlight a forward-thinking approach to addressing the challenges faced by Nigeria’s agricultural sector. As the nation seeks to enhance food security and economic stability, adopting AI and other advanced technologies in plant research and agriculture is a critical pathway to achieving a sustainable and prosperous future.
