The Vice-Chancellor of Taraba State University, Professor Sunday Bako, has urged Nigerian farmers not to be discouraged by current security concerns, assuring them that the Federal Government’s renewed agricultural policies will soon yield fruitful outcomes.
Speaking during an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the 2025 In-House Research Review of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), held at the institute’s headquarters in Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan, Oyo State, Bako called on farmers to return to their farms—especially during this rainy season—to support food production and strengthen the nation’s food security.
“The current insecurity is a phase that will pass. Nigerian farmers will smile again,” he assured. “They should be very hopeful with the policies being put in place by the Federal Government. There is hope.
These policies are designed to support farmers, boost production, and improve their livelihoods.”
Professor Bako emphasized that the government’s focus on revitalizing agriculture would not only secure food for the growing population but also help drive economic growth.
Earlier, the Executive Director of CRIN, Dr. Patrick Adebola, explained that the annual research review serves as a forum for engaging farmers and informing them about the research direction of the institute.
“You cannot do research in isolation. We need the input of our major stakeholders—the farmers—to understand where the shoe pinches. This helps us tailor our research to meet real challenges in the field,” Adebola said.
He highlighted the persistent lack of funding as a major barrier to research breakthroughs in Nigerian agricultural institutes, particularly in obtaining sufficient seedlings for farmers.
“These economic crops—cocoa, cashew, coffee, tea, and kola—can transform Nigeria’s economy. With global shifts away from oil, now is the time to return to the land,” Adebola added.
Delivering the keynote address titled “Advances in Varietal Development of Cocoa, Kola, Cashew, Coffee and Tea for Sustainable Economic Growth,” the National President of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, Adeola Adegoke, underscored the transformative potential of these perennial crops.
“These crops are more than just economic commodities. They are instruments of socio-economic transformation and environmental sustainability,” Adegoke said.
“When integrated into agroforestry systems, they improve soil health, support biodiversity, and build resilience against climate change.”
Adegoke, who also serves as the Global President of the Cocoa Farmers Alliance of Africa, hailed the Federal Government’s decision to establish the National Cocoa Management Board—an institution expected to regulate and promote sustainable cocoa farming without engaging in cocoa trade.
He concluded by calling on Nigerians to seize the opportunity to transform the nation’s agricultural sector into a powerful driver of green economic growth, environmental health, and global leadership.
Source: Punch
