The Institute of Agricultural Research & Training, (IAR&T) More Plantation Ibadan has released 4 high-yielding crop varieties to boost Nigeria’s food security.

The release of the  4 new crop varieties was announced on Tuesday January 25, 2022 by the Executive Director, Prof Veronica Obatolu during a press conference at the Institute in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

The erudite professor of human nutrition called on farmers to take advantage of the newly developed crop varieties to increase agricultural productivity which will boost Nigeria’s economy .

Professor Obatolu in her address also spoke on why many youths in the country run away from the farm. She attributed the trend to the way Agriculture is practised in Nigeria.

The first female Executive Director of Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T) lamented that many youths are leaving the villages and rural areas for better lives in the cities.

She said, “Why youths are not interested in agriculture. It is because of the way we are practising agriculture.

“Youths are not interested in farming because of the way we practice agriculture in Nigeria”.

Professor Obatolu called on youths and other unemployed Nigerians to embrace modern techniques in farming to address some of the challenges they may be facing.

She added that IAR&T is leaving no stone unturned in her efforts to ensure food security in Nigeria .

“Now we have new technologies. You do not have to be on the farm before you can be a farmer.

“Precisely, on the 12th January 2022, another feat in this regard was recorded by the institute with the release of five (4) newly developed crop varieties to Nigerian farmers.

“These technologies are of enormous potentials in the attainment of industrial growth, economic diversification and attainment of food and nutritional security”.

Present at the press conference are, Minister of Agriculture ably represented by  the Zonal Director FMAD, Prof Veronica Obatolu , Executive Director, IAR$T, Dr. J. O. Saka Deputy Director, Mr. A. A. Popoola, Deputy Registrar/ Secretary, Mr. M. O. Fadipe (ACA) Deputy Bursar,