06 06, 2023

Femi Adekoya, an expert in agricultural technology, has called on the Nigerian government and other stakeholders to embrace the use of technology to advance the agricultural sector and improve food security and productivity in the country. During a workshop at the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Adekoya delivered a lecture titled "Drones Technology in Agricultural Development" and highlighted the significance of drones and other technologies in agriculture, particularly in data collection.

 

Adekoya emphasized that agriculture contributed 23 percent to the country's GDP in the third quarter of 2023, and with the right technology, it could become the backbone of the economy. He stressed that using crude methods in farming is dangerous and ineffective, and digitizing the sector would ensure food self-sufficiency and make it more appealing to young people.

 

The expert explained the various benefits of drone technology in agriculture, such as assisting farmers in crop protection, nutrient application, and providing non-labor-intensive solutions. Adekoya also suggested that drones could be used in animal husbandry for broadcasting grass seeds and fertilizers, thus reducing risks for farmers.

 

In terms of recommendations, Adekoya proposed the introduction of drone technology into the curriculum of educational institutions, as the agricultural sector has become technologically driven and extends beyond basic agronomy. He emphasized the need to make agriculture more attractive to youth.

 

Professor Abayomi Fasina, the Vice-Chancellor of FUOYE, commended the relevance and delivery of Adekoya's lecture, emphasizing the university's commitment to contribute to the advancement of agriculture in the country. Fasina highlighted the importance of food security as a collective responsibility and stressed the use of technology. He also mentioned that the university prioritizes practical teaching methods to produce graduates who can compete globally.