HEAD OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL AND APPLIED ECONOMICS, FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE RSU, DR OKIDIM IBOH-ANDREW CALLS FOR BASELINE STUDY TO ASCERTAIN TRUE NUMBERS OF FARMERS IN COMMUNITIES AND 23 LGA TO BOOST FOOD PRODUCTIN

The Head of Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Faculty of Agriculture Rivers State University, Doctor Okidim Iboh-Andrew has called for baseline study to ascertain the true number of farmers in communities and the twenty-three Local Government Areas to support as part of effort to boost food production.

Doctor Okidim Ibo-Andrew stated this while speaking as guest on Radio Rivers Weekly Current Affairs programme spotlight.

Doctor Ibo-Andrew explained that accurate data was necessary to ascertain farmers in what he identified as “quick impact crops” and animal husbandry.

He described “quick impact crops” as crops that could be planted and harvested within a short period of time and farmers in livestock production, pointing out that until such study is conducted it would be difficult to identify farmers and their classifications in communities as well as Local Government Areas for planning and provision of aids to boost food production.

The academic also tasked governments at all levels to demonstrate strong will in establishing agricultural infrastructure such as feed mills particularly to aid fish production and food processing and further advocated a rubburst collaboration between government academic and industry to ensure food security in 2021 and beyond.