Executive Director, National Horticultural Research Institute, Dr Mohammed Atanda, has emphasised the critical role of research in addressing Nigeria’s food security challenges.
Atanda, represented by a management staff of NIHORT, Dr Sunday Oluseyi, made this call, when Ivo Meijer from the Municipality of Westland, led Dutch agribusiness firms on a courtesy visit to the institute.
The delegation is in the country for the third Netherlands-Nigeria Horticulture Trade Mission, to engage with government agencies, agribusinesses, and industry leaders on potential partnerships.
The delegation comprises 16 Dutch agribusiness firms which specialise in seeds, potatoes, horticulture and agricultural innovations.
Receiving the Dutch delegation, the NIHORT ED also highlighted digitisation as a fundamental driver of improved agricultural shelf life, urging farmers to adopt large-scale production.
“If the outcome of research does not translate into financial value, then it is of little impact. Research is crucial to addressing Nigeria’s food security challenges. That is why we support research.
“The institute serves as a platform for local and international partners to collaborate and showcase innovations. We take value addition seriously, as reflected in our diverse range of products.
“NIHORT has developed value-added products and equipment to extend the shelf life of agricultural produce, alongside improved seed varieties and pest control solutions to protect crops,” Atanda added.
Atanda further stressed the institute’s work with entrepreneurs in transforming raw materials into marketable products, enhancing both profitability and sustainability.
He highlighted the economic benefits of digitization for farmers, particularly during off-harvest seasons.
“With proper storage systems, farmers can sell their produce at up to 200 per cent profit during the off-season.
“These advancements go a long way in supporting farmers, and they showcase the benefits of digitization in agriculture,” he added.
Speaking on the essence of the visit, Dutch’s Meijer added that the team was keen on advancing sustainable food production, agritech innovations, energy-efficient farming solutions and expertise that could support Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.
Meijer reaffirmed the shared goal of sustainable food production in Nigeria.
“We are all working toward the same objective—producing food sustainably and bringing it closer to market. Our delegation continues to drive innovation, and we see valuable opportunities for collaboration,” Meijer said.
Also speaking, agricultural counsellor for Nigeria and Ghana at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Inge Tenniglo, underscored the significance of partnerships in improving Nigeria’s food security.
She commended NIHORT’s research efforts, stating, “I am impressed by the level of research being conducted at the institute.
“This presents an excellent opportunity for partnerships and continued innovation.”
Speaking, Chief Executive Officer of Green Republic, Baliquus Salaudeen-Ibrahim, emphasised the impact of improved technologies on large-scale farming.
“Cooling storage systems will give farmers the confidence to expand production without the fear of post-harvest losses.
“If such facilities are available, farmers will be encouraged to scale up,” she noted.
