Stakeholders at the 51st Annual Conference of the Nigerian Society for Plant Protection have raised concerns over the effect of pests and climate change on food security in Nigeria.

The conference, which had the theme “Plant Protection and Biotechnological Solutions for Sustainable Food Production in Nigeria”, was held on Monday at the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan.

The stakeholders said that the prevailing climatic conditions in the country had led to the emergence of new pests and pathogens that severely attack crop plants.

The executive director of NIHORT, Muhammed Attanda, however, said that biotechnology has opened up a new era of plant protection options to outsmart these evolving biotic stressors and rapidly deliver results towards attaining food sustainability.

Mr Attanda implored Nigerians to embrace biotechnology, stressing, “NIHORT has the mandate to conduct research into genetic improvement, production technologies, storage, utilisation, and marketing of fruits, vegetables, spices, and other medicinal and aromatic plants of nutritional and economic importance.

“NIHORT has developed numerous technologies in the horticultural value chain and is continually coming up with more technologies that would launch the country into self-sufficiency in horticulture.

“The institute conducts extensive research tailored to various agro-ecological zones in the country. NIHORT plays a critical role in advancing Nigeria’s horticulture landscape,” he said.

The director added that the institute has released several improved crop varieties, including two pepper varieties (HORTIPEP 1 and 2) with enhanced aroma and higher yield.

“Seven tomato varieties (HORTITOM 1-7 series) were produced for resistance, heat tolerance and high productivity.

“Dry-season onion varieties (HORTIONI 1, 2 and 3 series) and wet-season onion varieties (HORTIONI 4, 5 and 6 series) were released, along with three eggplant varieties (HORTIPICUM 1, 2 and 3 series),” he said.

Mr Attanda added that the institute’s research was not limited to vegetables alone.

“We’ve released two plantain varieties (HORTIPLAN 1 and 2) and two banana varieties (HORTIBAN 1 and 2) to contribute positively towards food sustainability and economic empowerment in the country,” he said.

According to him, various technologies have been developed to proffer solutions to evolving pest challenges.

“The institute has developed Tuta-trap, an eco-friendly technology that traps the pest, as well as NIHORT-Lyptol and NIHORT-Raktin, the biopesticides available in both liquid and powder form to effectively manage the ravaging situation of pests on tomatoes.

“The institute has up-scaled its various laboratories, biotechnology, virology, pathology, soil and agronomy, which are equipped with cutting-edge technologies to make research easy for our scientists, the pride of the nation.

“NIHORT’s mission also covers technology dissemination and collaboration with farmers and stakeholders throughout the horticultural value chain,” he said.

Mr Attanda, however, urged all participants to engage actively in the discussions.

“Your insights and knowledge are invaluable as we work collaboratively towards the promotion of resilience in our agricultural systems.

“Let us utilise this opportunity to share knowledge, forge partnerships, and inspire innovation in our collective quest for sustainable horticulture.

“Let us seize the opportunity to provide advanced biotechnological solutions to solving myriads of challenges confronting food security,” he said.

Also, Adamu Abubakar Dabban, the executive secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), said that Nigeria, like many developing nations, was faced with the dual challenge of increasing food production while combating the threats posed by pests, diseases, and climate change.

He said that without effective plant protection strategies, the country’s efforts toward food security would remain significantly constrained.

“Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy, contributing immensely to employment, food supply, and industrial raw materials.

“Crop losses due to pests and diseases continue to undermine productivity.

“It is therefore imperative that we embrace innovative, science-driven, and sustainable solutions, particularly biotechnology and digital tools, to safeguard our crops and ensure food availability for our growing population,” he said.

Mr Dabban added that ARCN recognises the critical role of research in transforming agriculture.

“Through our network of National Agricultural Research Institutes, including NIHORT, we are committed to promoting cutting-edge research, capacity building, and technology dissemination.

“We are particularly focused on strengthening linkages between research institutions, universities, extension services, and the private sector to ensure that innovations reach the farmers who need them most,” he said.

The ARCN executive secretary added that the conference focused on key areas to improve food security.

In his address, David Olufolaji, the chairman of the board of trustees of the Nigerian Society for Plant Protection (NSPP), called for the full implementation of the ideas shared.

Mr Olufolaji said that it was only through this that food security could be guaranteed. 

(NAN)