Experts have identified mechanized agriculture as a viable pathway to employment, entrepreneurship and sustainable national development, urging Nigerian youths to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the sector.
The Deputy Director, Research and Innovation Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA), Bayero University Kano (BUK), Dr. Mustapha Bello, made the call during a sensitization programme on modern mechanized agriculture for students held at the university’s New Campus.
Dr. Bello said agriculture has evolved beyond manual farming through the application of technology and innovation, stressing that mechanization is transforming food production and creating new opportunities for self-reliance and wealth creation.
He encouraged participants to apply the knowledge acquired at the workshop to promote modern agricultural practices capable of meeting global standards and positioning them for successful careers in agribusiness.
In his keynote address, a Senior Lecturer at Bayero University Kano, Engr. Sulaiman Galadanci, said the future of Nigeria’s agricultural sector depends on embracing mechanization while attracting more young people into farming and agribusiness.
According to him, agricultural mechanization enhances productivity by reducing labour requirements, improving the speed and efficiency of farm operations, lowering production costs, improving product quality and minimizing post-harvest losses.
Engr. Galadanci called on governments to provide enabling policies and critical infrastructure to support mechanized farming, while urging the private sector to invest in agricultural machinery, equipment hiring services and innovation.
He also challenged universities and research institutions to develop locally adaptable technologies and encouraged farmers to adopt improved farming practices, while urging youths to approach agriculture with creativity, determination and an entrepreneurial mindset.
Also speaking, the President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Bayero University Kano, represented by the Treasurer, Comrade Bello John Olalekan, described the workshop as timely and impactful.
He expressed confidence that the programme would contribute significantly to the advancement of agricultural and environmental engineering as well as mechanized agriculture in Nigeria.
KHADIJAH ALIYU
