To make the agriculture sector thrive in the aftermath of the novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, Nigeria must strengthen farmer education, provide inputs and promote technological innovation.

These are parts of measures suggested by the Vice-Chancellor of the Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST), Wudil, Professor Shehu Alhaji Musa, for Nigeria to thrive post-COVID-19.

Musa gave these recommendations while addressing journalists on the likely effects of the pandemic on the sector.

Musa noted that an active national plan to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on Nigeria’s food security systems was necessary.

The don, who also urged the government and relevant stakeholders to take on its responsibility of strengthening the capacity of farmers in the country, expressed optimism for full-blown recovery post-COVID-19.

The vice-chancellor also called on stakeholders to take advantage of the onset of the rainy season to consider irrigation farming as a way of diversifying production.

He said, “At this critical time in the existence of Nigeria, we must understand and appreciate the impact of border closure order by the Federal Government.

“It is better imagined what could have happened if the country is still depending on food importation when the global economy is at a lower ebb. Many developed countries now shut their borders to avoid the spread of COVID-19. That could have been a double tragedy for Nigeria.

“But, we just have to double the capacity of our farmers to produce more as the nation gradually battles the reality of post-COVID-19. We need to increase the level of extension service workers to educate farmers. We need to build linkages between research institutes and farmer groups to multiply production levels.”

SOURCE: AGRONIGERIA