Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Tunde Kehinde, has called for the adoption of biotechnology tools to boost agricultural productivity and strengthen food security in Nigeria.
Kehinde made the call on Tuesday in Abuja while speaking with reporters on the sidelines of a two-day workshop and stakeholders’ meeting on the review and validation of the National Biotechnology Policy.
Biotechnology tools include scientific techniques such as genetic engineering, molecular markers, tissue culture and bioinformatics, which are used to modify plants, animals and microorganisms to improve food production, nutrition, pest resistance and sustainability.
The vice-chancellor said every actor in the agricultural value chain—from farmers and seed producers to processors, distributors and retailers—must identify and implement opportunities for biotechnology to increase productivity.
He recalled that President Bola Tinubu declared a national emergency on food security upon assuming office, adding that efforts had since been intensified to deploy all available technologies to meet the nation’s food needs.
“Agricultural biotechnology can enhance production in terms of yield per hectare, and it should play a significant role across the entire agricultural value chain, including processing and storage,” he said.
Kehinde stressed that it was not enough to merely acknowledge the existence of biotechnology tools; stakeholders must develop concrete strategies for integrating them into their operations. He also highlighted the need for training, investment and research and development at all levels.
According to him, enhancing agricultural productivity through biotechnology goes beyond increasing crop yields—it also improves resource-use efficiency, leading to reduced pesticide use.
“Enhanced productivity also relates to nutritional value through bio-fortification and overall sustainability, which translates into reduced carbon footprint and improved soil health,” he added.
Kehinde called for a holistic, industry-wide digital and biological transformation, noting that biotechnology should not function in isolation but as an integrated tool for improving operations from farm to consumer.
