News in Brief:
– The Lagos State Government, through LSADA, has encouraged agricultural stakeholders to adopt technology, particularly AI, to boost food production.
– A pre-season training focused on equipping farmers and extension workers with modern techniques for enhanced agricultural output.
The Lagos State Government is urging agricultural stakeholders to embrace technology-driven approaches to bolster food production within the state.
This call was made by the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority (LSADA) during a recent pre-farming season training event for key players in the sector.
Focus on AI in urban farming
The training, held at the Women’s Development Centre in Agege, Lagos, brought together agricultural extension officers, representatives from various farmers’ associations, and other important figures.
The central theme of the event was AI-Powered Urban Agriculture in Lagos State: Enhancing Agricultural Extension Services for Increased Food Production.
Aliru Alade, the Project Manager for LSADA, underscored the significance of this annual training program as a vital platform for enhancing the skills of field personnel and other stakeholders in preparation for the upcoming agricultural season. His address was delivered by Aderonke Toju-Tubi, the Director of Rural Institution Development.
Toju-Tubi conveyed that the chosen theme demonstrates the state government’s forward-thinking strategy to integrate technology into the agricultural landscape of Lagos’s unique urban setting.
Also, she stressed that this effort is designed to provide farmers with advanced knowledge and modern methods that will substantially improve both the quality and the amount of agricultural produce across the state.
Government support for farmer-centric initiatives
Additionally, Alade recognised the consistent support provided by the State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. She noted that his strategic policy guidance continues to drive initiatives that prioritise the needs of farmers within the state.
Meanwhile, Oluwarotimi Fashola, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, characterized the training as a valuable opportunity to reinforce the agricultural foundation of the state, its farmers, and the crucial network of extension workers.
