The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Flux Carbon Pre Ltd., a foreign agritech firm, to enhance soil quality and sustain agricultural practices.
The Federal Government through the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) signed the MoU, monitored by the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology on Wednesday in Abuja.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, said that the partnership would introduce innovative methods to improve crop yields and also lower costs to farmers.
The minister expressed optimism that Flux’s work with the NBRDA would ensure that innovative solutions are adapted to local conditions, leveraging the expertise and resources available in Nigeria.
“Agriculture is the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, contributing a substantial 25 per cent to our GDP and providing livelihood for more than 70 per cent of our people.
”Yet, this sector faces immense challenges from climate change and land degradation to rising costs and inadequate technology adoption.
“The current surge in food prices across our nation underlines the urgent need for innovative and sustainable solutions, ” Nnaji said.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Flux Carbon Pre Ltd., Sam David, said his firm’s partnership with the NBRDA would foster innovative solutions, particularly in the area of climate change and food security.
In his remarks, the Director-General of NBRDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, said that the collaboration would enhance smart farming and food production in the country.
Mustapha recalled that the agency had recently released a transgenic Tela maize variety.
“The story is not complete until we go back to the soil and use the local and natural resources to improve soil quality. This will make the story complete,” Mustapha said.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Esuabana Nko-Asanye, commended the initiative, saying that the MoU would improve soil quality.
“Without good soil quality, we cannot achieve any agricultural exploit,” she said.
NAN
