FG, stakeholders seek increased women, youth inclusivity in digital agriculture
The Federal Government and stakeholders in the agriculture sector have called for increased women and youth inclusivity in the sector through digitalization to boost productivity. This was disclosed at the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Digital Village Initiative workshop in Lagos.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, emphasised the importance of involving women in digitalized agriculture.
“We should involve women more in digital agriculture.The male farmers should be left with the more strenuous part of agricultural activities, ” he said.
Kyari highlighted the present administration’s drive to push mechanization in the sector.
“President Bola Tinubu’s administration is heavy on mechanization. We have procured 2,000 tractors to aid mechanized farming.”
The minister noted that digital platforms, technology, innovation, and mechanization can ease agriculture and attract youth into the sector.
“Through the use of digital platforms, technology, innovation, and mechanization, we can ease up agriculture and attract the teeming youth into the sector, ” he added.
Prof. Faith Ibrahim emphasised that digitized agriculture would encourage more youth inclusion.
She said, “With digitalized agriculture, youths can sit down in the comfort of their rooms and through tech be able to monitor the health of farmlands.”
Prof. Olumuyiwa Jayeoba suggested that digitalization could make agriculture more attractive to youth.
“We need to use what attracts youth to get them interested in agriculture. transform agriculture with digital innovation, ” he said.
