The Minister disclosed this while declaring open the first international conference on Kenaf, Jute and allied crops organised by the Institute of Agricultural Research And Training, (IAR$T), Ibadan, Oyo State recently
The Minister was represented by the Executive Secretary of Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Professor Garba Sharubutu, who also conveyed the message of the Federal Government to commit more funds into research programmes that will address food insecurity in the country .
While welcoming participants to the first international conference on Kenaf, Jute and Allied crops, the Executive Director of IAR$T, Professor Veronica Obatolu stated that the conference marked a significant milestone in the collective efforts of sister research institutes in their journey towards advancing the knowledge , research and applications of these remarkable crops.
“Kenaf and Jute are fast- growing crops, which make them excellent renewable resources. They require minimal water, pesticides and fertilizers to make them more environmentally friendly.
“They are valuable crops with vast potentials and can be used to address global challenges such as fighting against climate change because they absorb carbon dioxide more than any other crops,” she said.
Professor Obatolu added that their uses range from fibre production to paper products, textiles, composites, food and feeds, medicinal uses, erosion control and biofuel.
The scholar however, commended the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) and the National Institute for Agricultural Research (NIHORT) for their collaboration for the success of the conference, which has the theme; “Economic Diversification: Unveiling the Potentials of Kenaf, Jute and Allied Crops.”
In her goodwill message, Dr. Oluwayemisi Lawal, who represented the Executive Director of CRIN, Dr. Patrick Adebola, stated that the conference will bring value to Kenaf, Jute and Allied crops, while urging the Federal Government to commit more funds into agricultural research so as to bring out more innovations in the agric sector.
She then commended the management of IAR$T for its roles in promoting Kenaf, Jute and allied crops.
Tje Executive Director of NIHORT, Dr. Babalola, in her remarks, disclosed that it is important to develop the value chain for Kenaf and keep nature by given back to it.
The Provost of College of Animal Health, Dr. Adekoya Owosimbo, who was represented by Dr. Funmilayo Ogunleke, acknowledged the dedication and contributions of researchers, research institutes, farmers and most especially KEPPMAN and industry partners, who paved the way for the success of the conference.
Dr. Usman Hassan Argungu, who delivered the keynote address through Professor Adeniyan Olutayo stated that the economic diversification potential of Kenaf, Jute and allied crops lies not only in their direct applications, but also in the opportunities they create for value addition and downstream industries.
“By investing in research and development, we can unlock new possibilities for these crops, and creating a ripple effect for economic growth and job creation,” he said.
The Conference ended with the formation of a new association for the promotion of fibre and allied crops in the country with the name Fibre Crops Society of Nigeria to be coordinated by Dr Kareem with membership spread across the country.
-By ‘Kunle Bakare’
