Agric Research Council to launch radio, TV for farmers

The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) is set to launch radio and television stations targeting farmers and agricultural research technology up-takers in order to bridge the gap between research institutes and farmers in the country.  The stations, which are expected to be launched in the coming weeks, are cited at the premises of the […]

The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) is set to launch radio and television stations targeting farmers and agricultural research technology up-takers in order to bridge the gap between research institutes and farmers in the country. 

The stations, which are expected to be launched in the coming weeks, are cited at the premises of the ARCN in Abuja. 

The executive secretary of the Council, Professor Garba Sharubutu, said with the new ARCN bill signed by President Muhammadu Buhari, they were introducing an innovation that would bridge the information gap between researchers under the coordination of the council and farmers across the country.

This, he said, would make information available to farmers and educate them on what to do in terms of extension delivery services.  

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, during a visit to the Council, said a lot of progress was being made to upgrade the museum complex and the television and radio stations that are being put up. 

“I am quite impressed to have five studios and even more consoles. This is quite good; and the ministry will do everything to support the ARCN.

“This is the engine of any agriculture setup in the country today. As I mentioned in my takeover speech, research is one of the key priority areas for me. I can equally tell you that while speaking to the president, he also mentioned research. I will give you all the cooperation and support. Nigeria, a country of 200 million people and counting, needs a strong agriculture base,” he said.