LAUTECH: How Agric Economics Dept Organised Maiden Public Lecture on Digital Solutions to Agri-processing
PanNigerianNews
5 min read
By Sunday Adepoju
Popular The Hall of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso was filled to capacity as the institution’s Department of Agricultural Economics staged its inaugural public lecture, marking a significant milestone in the history of the institution and, particularly, the department.
The epoch making event, held recently on Ogbomoso LAUTECH campus, drew figures from the academia, industry and professional communities across the country, particularly featuring prominent experts in the field of agricultural economics and technology.
According to the institution’s Head of Department of Agricultural Economics, Professor Funke Iyabo Olagunju, the event underscored the university’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence as well as town and gown collaboration, bring the wealth of experiences of Oluwayemisi Iranloye, the founder/C.E.O. of Psaltry International Company, and Engineer Olalekan Badmus, Executive Director, Marine and Operations at the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) as guest lecturers at the maiden public lecture.
Professor Olagunju said, “It gives me a great pleasure to welcome you all to the maiden departmental public lecture in the history of our citadel of learning. It is my pleasure to introduce the Department of Agricultural Economics, a vital arm of our institution dedicated to advancing the frontiers of agricultural knowledge and innovation.
“The department is a hub of excellence in research, teaching, and extension services, focused on addressing the complex challenges facing our agricultural sector. We share a passion for unlocking the potential of agriculture to drive economic growth, improve livelihoods, and ensure food security by generating and disseminating knowledge that informs policy, improves practice, and enhances the competitiveness of our agricultural industry.
“We achieve this through cutting-edge research, innovative teaching programmes, and collaborative partnerships with stakeholders across the agricultural value chain. Our research focus areas include agricultural productivity, market analysis, trade policy, agribusiness management, and sustainable development. We also offer undergraduate and graduate programmes that equip students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the agricultural sector.
“Just recently, the department celebrated the creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of our students, the culmination of their hard work and dedication to the Entrepreneurial Studies through the maiden edition of Agricultural Economics Entrepreneurship Exhibition Day 2024, held on May 8, 2024 at the Iseyin Campus of our institution.
“The event was a testament to the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem fostered in Iseyin Campus where ideas flourish, businesses thrive, and dreams take flight.
“Once again, the department has taken another giant stride by kick-starting the maiden departmental public lecture titled ‘Harnessing Technology: Digital Solution to Agri-processing Optimization’. I am proud to say that we are at the forefront of this revolution, working tirelessly to harness the power of digital solutions to transform our agricultural sector.
“Our aim is to create a platform that will stimulate intellectual discourse, encourage innovative ideas, and promote progressive thoughts through establishing networking and collaboration among farmers, agribusinesses, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
“On behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. R.O. Rom Kalilu, and other principal officers, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our guest lecturers, Oluwayemisi Iranloye, CEO, Psaltry International Company, Ado-Awaye and Engr. Olalekan Badmus, Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), who incidentally is the Global Alumni President of our great institution, the Acting Provost, College of Agricultural Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources, Prof. J. G. Adewale; the Dean, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Prof. S. A Babarinde; all our special and eminent awardees, Mr. Oladoja Ayuba Olanrewaju, CEO, Affluence Oba-B Hotel, Iseyin; Hon. Onilede Solomon, our immediate past Global Alumni President; Mrs Kolade Olufunmilayo Iyabo Owosekun, CEO, Tishey Fittings and Finishing Ltd and Blue Dew Enterprises; Alhaji Ishola Rafiu Moyosore, Founder and CEO of Genius Diary Limited, Hon. Afeez Omobolaji Repete, a Governing Council member of Federal University of Technology, Owerri and Hon. Shina Peller the founder of AQUILA GROUP OF COMPANIES, including the prestigious Quilox Nightclub.
“All guests from within and outside the University, all Agricultural Economics and Extension alumni who have graced us with their presence today despite their demanding schedules. Your presence here underscores your unwavering commitment to the continued success and prosperity of the department and our alma mater at large, and for that, we are profoundly grateful. Special thanks to all the organising committees, faculty staff and supporters for your continued commitment to the success of our department and our university at large.
“Today’s lecture will unravel some insights on how technology can help us unlock the full potential of our agricultural sector. From precision farming to data-driven decision making, and how technology is revolutionising the way we approach agri-processing.
“Together, we can leverage digital solutions to improve crop yields, reduce waste, and increase the overall competitiveness of our agricultural industry. In conclusion, technology has the potential to transform our agricultural sector in ways we never thought possible. Let us embrace these digital solutions and work together to build a more efficient, productive, and competitive agricultural industry.
At the public lecture, both Badmus and Iranloye presented perspectives centering on “Harnessing Technology: Digital Solutions to Agri-processing Optimization”.
Engr. Badmus, a former Commissioner in Osun State, who stressed the importance of the use of digital technologies in agriculture, shared case studies of how digital technologies have been harnessed in agriculture; Syngenta in Switzerland, DeHeat and Agrostar in India, CropX, Mori (formerly Cambridge Crops), ecoRobotix, Argeena, Indigo Ag (formerly Symbiota), among others.
Badmus highlighted some digital initiatives in Nigeria like Majestik Farm, ThriveAgric, EZFarming, National E-Agriculture Web Portal (NEAWP), TradeNet.Biz, Afrimash, and Livestock247.
He decried that agricultural technology and agric-processing implementation in Nigeria faces several challenges like limited internet connectivity, low farmer digital literacy, and the need for investment in infrastructure and training, recommending that government, private sector and international organisations should embrace digital solutions and revolution as a potential increase food production and improve the farmers’ livelihood.
The president of the LAUTECH global alumni association added that Nigeria should create an environment that supports adoption of technologies in the agricultural sector with a view to guaranteeing a sustained future for the country’s farmers.
While presenting, Iranloye said increasing population growth ushered in the mechanisation era to boost productivity and efficiency, saying “Now, amidst pressing challenges such as climate change, the digital era brings solutions that mitigate its effects by optimising resource use and improving resilience. Examples include drone technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Global Positioning System, data analytics, GIS and Internet of Things.
“Embracing digital solutions in agriculture is not just a step; it is a leap into the future. By utilizing digital technologies, we can transform every stage of agricultural processing, making it more efficient, sustainable, and responsive to the challenges of climate change.
“Integrating these innovations leads to higher productivity, better resource management, a resilience and sustainable food security. Our engagement and enthusiasm in exploring these technologies can drive the next wave of innovation in this vital field.
“The future of agriculture is bright and it starts with the knowledge and passion we invest in it today.”
