FG UNVEILS DIGITAL PLATFORM TO BOOST AGRICULTURAL SERVICES FOR FARMERS

Yesterday, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, unveiled the National Electronic Extension Platform (NEEP), a digital initiative to enhance agricultural service delivery, and improve productivity.

Speaking at the opening of the National Agricultural Extension Research Summit in Abuja, the minister stated that the platform would enhance the linkage between research institutions and farmers. He revealed that NEEP is designed to work with the National Agricultural Research and Extension System (NARES) and other relevant institutions to address the low extension agent-to-farmer ratio.

The minister further expressed that the digital platform will provide real-time access to vital agricultural information, offering an interactive and cost-effective alternative to traditional extension services while also mitigating security risks faced by field agents.

He emphasised the role of technology in improving labour productivity, particularly through the distribution of tractors for land preparation, planting, and harvesting.

Abdullahi stated that the summit was part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to leverage technology for agricultural extension services, adding that the Federal Department of Agricultural Extension, and the launch of NEEP will strengthen agricultural service delivery in the country.

He noted that the ministry had deployed technologies to improve labour productivity through distribution of tractors for land preparation, planting and harvesting.

In his remarks, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ogunbiyi Marcus, acknowledged the historical challenges faced by Nigeria’s extension services due to inconsistent policies, inadequate funding, and limited technological adoption.