Experts in the engineering field, academia and media have called for more investment in mechanised farming to solve the country’s food shortage challenge.
The call was made on Friday at the 33rd monthly lecture of the Industrial and Production Engineering Alumni Association of the University of Ibadan.
The lecture, with the theme “Sustainable Infrastructure and Resource Efficiency: International Development Perspective,” was delivered by the Chief Executive Officer of TracTrac Mechanisation Services Limited, Mr Godson Ohuruogu.
The virtual lecture, hosted by the Head of the Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, UI, Prof Victor Oladokun, was chaired by the Head of the Research Management Department at the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research, Prof John Adeoti; and had the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Punch Nigeria Limited, Mr Adeyeye Joseph, as the special guest of honour, while the guest of honour was the Principal of the International School, University of Ibadan, Mr Y. Akintunde.
The programme was moderated by Dr Ademola Adeyeye.
In his lecture, Ohuruogu, whose company provides engineering solutions in the agricultural sector, noted that many farmers in Nigeria do not get maximum yield from their farmlands due to the unavailability of farm machinery and inputs, which he tied to low investment by both the government and the private sector.
Ohuruogu said, “On the question of why we are not growing as fast as we should be, regarding farm mechanisation, there is the issue of lack of investment in that space. And this happens because some would-be investors when they see the role that the government is playing in the system, tend to withdraw.”
He alluded to situations where farmers are discouraged from embracing inputs from the private sector because the government has promised to supply the same products, which eventually are never supplied.
“We have situations where farmers are waiting for the intervention of the government, which is never fulfilled and this then impacts investment because people who should play roles in the space are being disrupted due to government promises that may never come.”
Ohuruogu also noted that foreign exchange instability is raising the cost of importation of farm machinery and inputs and, therefore, canvassed local production or fabrication as the sustainable solution to bridge the mechanisation gap in the Nigerian agricultural sector.
He said, “There is also the issue of the cost of importation. A tractor that was like N4m to N5m in 2015, the naira devaluation has pushed the price up to about N55m now. How many can an investor buy?”
Harping on local fabrication, he said, “We need to start looking at local fabrication. We cannot depend on importation forever. It is not working because there is only so much that can be imported because of the prohibitive cost.”
The Chairman of the event, Prof Adeoti, stressed the nexus between infrastructure and the nation’s development.
“Sustainable infrastructure is at the centre of sustainable development,” he said.
He noted that while sustainable development is a global phenomenon, it must be tailored to local priorities.
“Sustainability that does not prioritise the needs of developing countries is unhelpful, especially for those of us from this part of the world, that is, Sub-Saharan Africa,” the don said.
The General News Editor of The PUNCH Newspaper, Dr Oladimeji Ramon, who represented the MD and Editor-in-Chief, lauded the IPEAA lecture initiative aimed at fostering the town-gown relationship.
“Our MD, Mr Adeyeye Joseph, believes that this is a very good initiative and he commends the association for the effort that has gone into sustaining it, this one being the 33rd edition,” Ramon said.
He described the theme of the lecture as apt and timely, noting that Nigeria’s infrastructural deficit is among the factors driving mass emigration, commonly known as japa.
Ramon said, “Our country grapples with the challenge of infrastructural deficit, and as a newsman, who deals with news daily, one of the trending news right now is the wave of emigration of our people, particularly the young people, abroad.
“And one of the things they cite is that those countries they are going to are more functional because they have more functional infrastructure in place. So, this is why the discussion about developing infrastructure cannot be overemphasised, and it is good that the alumni thought it wise this time to bring this discussion to the table.”
Ramon also noted the need for accountability for Nigeria to attain the dream of sustainable infrastructural development.
He said, “How well are the resources appropriated for infrastructure being used? What we have found is that funds are being appropriated, but the question is, does the money get to the endpoint, or does it achieve the intended purpose?”
Akintunde commended the IPE department and the IPEAA “for their unwavering commitment to fostering industry engagement, knowledge sharing and innovation.”
The principal said, “Their efforts have not only enhanced the University of Ibadan but have also contributed significantly to the development of the IPE in Nigeria.
“The theme is particularly relevant in today’s world, where sustainable development, environmental conservation and resource efficiency have become increasingly pressing.
“I’m confident that the insight of our guest speaker will probably provide a valuable perspective on how to address these challenges and promote sustainable development.”
