Nigeria to embrace science and technology in food production

The Minister gave this indication when he received the Deputy Director-General, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mr. Kwaku Aning, in Abuja recently.The minister explained that the use of irradiation technology will help in mutation breeding, saying that the application of nuclear techniques in characterization of food contaminants and pollutant would assure food safety.Dr. Adesina stated […]

The Minister gave this indication when he received the Deputy Director-General, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mr. Kwaku Aning, in Abuja recently.
The minister explained that the use of irradiation technology will help in mutation breeding, saying that the application of nuclear techniques in characterization of food contaminants and pollutant would assure food safety.
Dr. Adesina stated that Nigeria as a country is facing so many challenges, but promised to use all available tools to solve food problems in Nigeria. According to the Minister, “The time has come to separate noise-makers from scientists.”
Dr. Adesina explained that the specification in Nigeria’s update Country Programme Framework (CPF) with the IAEA for the period 2012-2017 was signed in February 14, 2013. The major priority area for technical co-operation relates to transfer and application of nuclear technology in food and agriculture.
Earlier in his remarks, IAEA’s Deputy Director-General, stated that his visit was to identify the areas of focus for partnership with the ministry, adding that IAEA’s mission was to speed up motion, saying their technology in agriculture is very large.
Mr. Aning said IAEA offers assistance in Research and Development in irradiation technology and other related fields such as Capacity Building, Manpower Development and Training in Irradiation Technology, Demonstration of radiation on food processing, including Agricultural and Industrial products for commercial purposes.