ICoB2024: FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION (FAO) ENDORSES BIOTECHNOLOGY ALTERNATRIVE FOR FARMERS
By Raymond Enoch
United Nations FAO Country Representative, Dr Dominque Koffy Kouacou, represented by the National Project Coordinator, FAO’s ICTAD, Dr Ayodele O. Majekodunmi, says that FAO would continue to enhance the productivity and income of small holder’s farmers through their interventions
Speaking at the International Conference on Biotechnology tagged “ICoB2024” in Abuja organized by National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) Dr Dominque Koffy Kouacou commended the conference organizers for taking this forward given the need to increase food production to meet the needs of a population in the country.
The FAO Country Representative who presented a paper at the conference on “Biotechnology for smallholders farmers : Enhancing Productivity and Income through FAO interventions” said that over 800 million people are malnourished worldwide , while over 3 billon people are unable to feed them also globally and 18 million 18 million Nigerians are at high risk of food insecurity , adding that demand for food is rising steadily along with population and incomes
He added that “ Agrifood systems must be able to produce more food of greater nutritional value with less environmental impact” .opining that science of Biotechnology is critical to achieving reliability and “ more resilient to pests diseases climate change and other shocks” with quality that farmers need and therefore discussing research outcomes by critical stakeholders in a conference of this nature is critical
He urged the experts to continue leading discussions that seek to explore the transformative potential of biotechnology in driving Nigeria’s economic growth.
It would be noted that fewer than 54 scientists, researchers and policy makers gathered at the ICOB2024 to share their wealth of knowledge in biotechnology and related fields. The conference which is the maiden edition of International Conference on Biotechnology (ICOB 2024) is poised to be driving force for innovation ion developing and revolutionizing the Nigeria economy.
