News in Brief:
– Israeli experts urged Nigeria to adopt advanced technology to boost agricultural productivity and economic growth.
– Nigerian and Israeli representatives emphasised the potential for increased export trade, particularly in rice production.
The recent Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria-Israel Business Forum, held in Abuja, emphasised the crucial need for Nigeria to embrace technological innovations to enhance its agricultural sector.
Israeli business experts, alongside Nigerian stakeholders, brought attention to the potential benefits of leveraging modern technology to boost agricultural productivity and economic growth.
Importance of technology in Nigerian agriculture
Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, highlighted the importance of modern technology in overcoming the challenges hindering Nigeria’s agricultural development. Technology in agriculture, often referred to as agritech, includes tools like automated irrigation systems, drones for crop monitoring, and advanced breeding techniques. These innovations can significantly increase crop yields, improve efficiency, and reduce labor costs.
The forum highlighted several areas where Nigeria could benefit from Israeli expertise:
- Advanced Farming Techniques: Techniques such as precision farming, which uses data analysis and automation to optimise crop production, can transform traditional farming practices in Nigeria.
- Aquaculture: Utilising advanced technology in fisheries can boost fish production, providing a reliable source of protein for the Nigerian population.
- Post-Harvest Management: Technologies that improve storage and processing of agricultural products can reduce post-harvest losses, ensuring more produce reaches the market.
Nigeria’s export potential in Isreal
Agatha Afoekelu, Nigeria’s Ambassador in Tel-Aviv, urged Nigerian entrepreneurs to explore export opportunities to Israel. One promising area is rice production. Israel, being a pilgrimage destination with a high demand for rice, offers a lucrative market for Nigerian rice producers. By improving rice farming techniques and ensuring high-quality produce, Nigeria can become a significant rice exporter to Israel.
The Managing Director of ONIDA, Kidron Israel, pointed out that Nigeria’s large population should be seen as an asset for agricultural production. Instead of importing food, Nigeria has the potential to become a net exporter of agricultural products. This shift could positively impact the country’s economy, particularly in light of the current exchange rate challenges.
