Mohammed Abubakar, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, recently disclosed the federal government plans on establishing plant health clinics in six geopolitical zones of the country, during a media briefing on Monday in Abuja.
A plant health clinic is a space for farmers to learn from agricultural specialists on ensuring their crops are in the utmost best state of health. The six clinics will be established under the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQs)
The initiative is considered essential to prevent the country from losing annual farm produce, particularly following the loss of a high volume to damage from pests.
“They cause yield and quality losses, reduce food availability, and increase food prices,” said Abubakar while explaining the damage caused by the losses.
The increase in international trade and travel and changes in land use and rainfall patterns are among the driving factors of the pest establishment, spread, and impact.
President Muhammadu Buhari also recognises the importance to safeguard plant health. As it has now become a national priority, the budget has been prepared, and the building would soon commence.
Vincent Isegbe, director-general of NAQs, said that the quarantine service would continue their services on assisting farmers and exporters in maintaining plants, animal, and fish health, in hope of generating the country’s economic growth.
Mr Isegbe also advised exporters to follow the right procedures for necessary certifications to control the quality of farm produce.
