Juliet Jacob Ochenje
In a bid to enhance food security in Nigeria, the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) has approved the recruitment of 1,650 scientists.
The Executive Secretary of ARCN, Prof. Garba Sharubutu, announced this during a conference in Abuja on Friday.
The focus of the recruitment, according to Sharubutu, will be on engaging plant breeders who will develop various diverse varieties of crops.
He highlighted the importance of quick-maturing crops such as rice, yam, cassava, wheat, guinea corn, millet, and maize.
Sharubutu emphasised the need to diversify the crops without neglecting cash crops. Stating, “The instruction is that we recruit breeders, those who promote the genetic improvement of our local crops,” stated Sharubutu.
He also mentioned that the trained scientists would be expected to pass on their knowledge and experience by training others under the supervision of the Council. The overarching goal of the Council is to ensure Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in food production.
Sharubutu mentioned that Nigeria has successfully developed and marketed varieties of beans and maize resistant to insect pests.
Additionally, he highlighted the Council’s ongoing efforts in developing models for storage, especially in crops like yams, cassava, and grains.
“The National Stored Products Research Institute, Ilorin, has many models for the storage of yams, cassava, and grains,” he added.
