Stakeholders at the 51st Annual Conference of the Nigerian Society for Plant Protection (NSPP) have raised concerns over the impact of pests and climate change on food security in Nigeria.
The conference, themed “Plant Protection and Biotechnological Solutions for Sustainable Food Production in Nigeria”, was held on Monday at the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) in Ibadan.
Participants noted that the prevailing climate conditions in the country have led to the emergence of new pests and pathogens that severely attack crops.
The Executive Director of NIHORT, Prof. Muhammed Attanda, stated that biotechnology offers new plant protection strategies to combat these evolving threats and support food sustainability.
He urged Nigerians to embrace biotechnology, emphasizing that NIHORT conducts research on genetic improvement, production technologies, storage, utilization, and marketing of fruits, vegetables, spices, and medicinal and aromatic plants of nutritional and economic importance.
“NIHORT has developed numerous technologies across the horticultural value chain and continues to introduce innovations to help Nigeria achieve self-sufficiency in horticulture,” he said.
Prof. Attanda highlighted improved crop varieties released by the institute, including:
- Two pepper varieties (HORTIPEP 1 & 2) for enhanced aroma and yield
- Seven tomato varieties (HORTITOM 1–7) resistant to heat and pests
- Dry-season onion varieties (HORTIONI 1–3) and wet-season varieties (HORTIONI 4–6)
- Three eggplant varieties (HORTIPICUM 1–3)
- Two plantain varieties (HORTIPLAN 1 & 2) and two banana varieties (HORTIBAN 1 & 2)
He also highlighted pest management innovations, including Tuta-trap, an eco-friendly pest trap, and biopesticides NIHORT-Lyptol and NIHORT-Raktin, available in liquid and powder forms.
“The institute has upgraded laboratories in biotechnology, virology, pathology, soil, and agronomy with cutting-edge technologies, enabling our scientists to drive impactful research,” Attanda said.
He encouraged participants to actively engage in discussions, share knowledge, forge partnerships, and inspire innovations for sustainable horticulture.
Dr. Adamu Abubakar Dabban, Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), said Nigeria faces the dual challenge of increasing food production while addressing pests, diseases, and climate change.
“Agriculture is central to Nigeria’s economy, contributing to employment, food supply, and industrial raw materials. Crop losses due to pests and diseases continue to undermine productivity,” Dabban said.
He urged adoption of science-driven solutions, including biotechnology and digital tools, to safeguard crops and ensure food availability. ARCN is committed to strengthening research linkages and ensuring innovations reach farmers effectively.
Dr. David Olufolaji, Chairman of the NSPP Board of Trustees, called for the full implementation of ideas shared at the conference, stressing that food security can only be guaranteed through action.
