Certainly, this is not the best of times for Nigeria’s economy, which is beleaguered, consequent on many adduced reasons from economists and the entire populace, one of which is the worsened food production and agricultural development in Nigeria.
The various spheres of the nation’s economy are definitely in shreds, which have had adverse effect on the agricultural expansion and development, that should ordinarily created leverage and alleviate certain areas, providing succor to other spheres, it is an incontestable fact that agriculture plays dominant role in economic development and expansion, particularly in the Africa continent.
Sadly, gone were those era when Nigeria occupied that exalted seat amongst committee of nations of the world producing Cocoa and palm oil and it was an era when the Southwestern part of the country recorded tremendous socio-infrastructural development from the proceeds of palm oil and Cocoa production. very unfortunately, the crude oil advantage of Nigeria, which should ordinarily be taken as fortune, has; inadvertently turned out to be the nation’s albatross, with overdependence on petroleum products as means of running the entire nation, more worrisome is the situation when the country is being impaired by corruption ravaging its foundation.
However, still basking in the richness of its natural endowment, one of the fastest growing crop productions in the global arena, *Soybean* has also been *discovered* to be such a viable investment, should Nigeria take advantage of its climate and suitable environmental conditions for maximum production.
Soybean is a species of legume, native to Asia popularly grown for its edible bean, which has numerous uses It has 30% Fat, 0% Cholesterol and Sodium, Potassium 51%, Total carbohydrate 10%, Fibre 36%, Protein 72%, Vitamin C 10%, Calcium 27%, Iron 87%, Vitamin B 6 20%, Magnesium 70%.The Soybeans, is known as a miracle crop.
As it is always in many cases, the time has beckon for the giant of Africa , Nigeria to take its place of leadership in the quality and quantity production of Soybeans crop, the Nigerian Soybean association (NSA) has taken up the gauntlet in the vanguard of achieving this salent objective , in its various past efforts designed towards this, the NSA has in activities to promote production of high quality soybeans and soybeans products in Nigeria Records in the past years have shown series of training in soybean production across states, in collaboration with federal ministry of agriculture, Research Institute, relevant agencies in the production of high quality soybean seeds and products.
Towards achieving the aim is the provision of a forum for discussion of common problems of production, processing, marketing and utilisation of soybeans;
Relevant conferences, farmers field day, participatory varietal selections organized by NSA are some of the activities carried out by the association such as the forthcoming NSA Conference in Ibadan, Nigeria slated for the 28th–30th of May, 2024 with the theme: “Multiple Roles Of Soybean In RevivingA Declining Economy,” where the state chapters are mandated to present reports on successes and problems experienced in the year, to members who are drawn from the different parts of the country, including the processors, scientists, farmers, government officials, medical professionals and merchants.
The constant offering of technical support to soybean farmers all over Nigeria through relentless research and capacity building will be recorded at the Conference with that proper and quality training, to help soybean farmers in Nigeria improve on their farming techniques, in tune with the global acceptable practices for improved production quantity, quality and farmer profitability.
The Conference has therefore designed, selected intellectuals and academic of global recognition to deliver topics relevant to the NSA objectives .
While Dr M.E Abo, the NCRI Ag.Executive Director, which has, as one of its mandate crops, Soybean will deliver the topic: “Soybean, the Game Changer”, another Lecturer, Professor Kola OJO, Soybean Breeder will deliver: Moving Soybean Research from Shelve to the Table through Dissemination and Delivery of proven Soybean Technologies
Also, Dr Abush Abebe Tesfeye, a well-respected intellectual will deliver notes on “Roles
IITA in Soybean Development for Nigeria” and in another
title a Professor of great accomplishments in the academic world, Professor Obatolu, who is current Executive Director, IAR&T will do justice to the Annual Conference tagged: “Multiple Roles of Soybean In Reviving A Declining Economy”
THE 2024 NATIONAL SOYBEAN CONFERENCE, which will be held between: 28th of May till-30th May, 2024 at Professor E. A Adebowale Training Hall, IAR&T, Moore Plantation, Camps B/Stop, Ibadan, will have in attendance members who are drawn from the different parts of the country, including the processors, scientists, farmers, government officials, medical professionals and merchants.
The event of the Annual Conference is surely an avenue for NSA to collaborate and develop more synergies with federal agencies such as Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMIT&I), Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMA&RD), National Agric Seed Council (NASC), Women in Agriculture and others, who will grace the occasions.
Uwala Ayodele Christopher, is the National President, Nigerian Soybean Association
At the end of the Conference, an avenue to advise government on issues and policies involving soybeans and soybean product will be set with the NSA issue a communiqué to government on ways to increase soybean production, processing and utilization after the national conference.
Emphasis may be on meeting the domestic needs of soybean for the local industries while profitable quantities will be exported, placing Nigeria on the front burner with increased revenue base from soybean production, invariably achieveing economic and government policies on exports on non-oil products to generate foreign exchange.
ALSO READ: EU recalls popular bleaching cream, Caro White lotion
