Why microbiologists are important to agricultural practices – NSM

A communiqué issued after a national conference held at the Ahmadu Bello University, (ABU) Zaria, jointly signed by the president and secretary of the society, Professor Ifeoma B. Enweani and Professor Mohammed Dauda Mukhtar respectively, said microbiologists have a great role to play in improving soil fertility and general agricultural practices.The communiqué read in part: […]

A communiqué issued after a national conference held at the Ahmadu Bello University, (ABU) Zaria, jointly signed by the president and secretary of the society, Professor Ifeoma B. Enweani and Professor Mohammed Dauda Mukhtar respectively, said microbiologists have a great role to play in improving soil fertility and general agricultural practices.
The communiqué read in part: “With the rapidly growing population and the United Nations projection that Nigeria’s population will be around 300 million by 2030, note must be taken of the fact that microorganisms have the capacity to generate a vast array of products that are of direct benefit to man and his environment. Attention should be towards harnessing these products to man’s advantage.
“Modern biotechnology, which is a driving factor in modern development, requires capital investment. However, in Nigeria therequired infrastructural investment is still at a very low level.”
Microorganisms are important in food production and food processing.
“Their activities can be channeled for positive impact on food security, diagnoses and control of diseases as well as inoculants to boost soil fertility in agricultural practice,” the communiqué added, calling on government to use microbiologists in stopping the use of biological agents as instrument of terrorism activities.