ABUJA – (Federal Ministry of Science & Technology Report) – The Nigerian Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Biocrops, an indigenous private biotechnology company for the production of assorted high quality seeds, seedlings as well as bio – fertilizers pesticides and nematicides to boost food production.
The Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Bitrus Bako Nabasu signed the MOU on behalf of the Federal Government, while the Chief Executive of Biocrops, Joseph Odusanya signed for Becrops recently in Abuja.
According to the Permanent Secretary in his speech at the occasion, biotechnology is a valuable tool for addressing the several challenges of Nigeria in terms of food production, genetic improvement of living systems as well as improved health management, environmental sustainability and industrial growth. He added that the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology through its Agencies as a matter of policy has been forging and supporting collaborations among public and private institutions and organizations to facilitate development, equity investment in projects and access to new revenue and capacity for service delivery.
In his opening remarks, the Chief Executive of BIOCROP, Joseph Odusanya said that the organization adopts a social business model in strengthening its relationship with its clients by focusing on value creation that is delivered in scaled production of assorted high-quality seeds and seedlings. He implied that the firm is also engaged in the scaled – up production of bio-fertilizers, pesticides and nematicides, efficient supply of biotechnology services, agricultural value chain creation, biotechnology consultancy and food production.
Joseph Odusanya further disclosed that BIOCROP has brought synergies between farmers, top – notch research institutions within the country, digital finance experts novel-market ready products and game changers in the agricultural space.
The Ag Director-General of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Alex Akpa (Prof) while expressing his view noted that Nigeria needs biotechnology to feed it’s fast growing population as well as provide employment for its youths.
