Prof Usman Ibrahim lists goals of good agricultural practices at ABU inaugural lecture
A Professor of Agronomy with Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Usman Ibrahim, has identified Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) as a principle aimed at improving farm production and post-production processes.
Prof. Usman gave the identification at an Inaugural Lecture Series No. 08/24, titled; “Exploring the Fundamental Principles of Good Agronomic Practices for Sustainable Crop Production, Human Nutrition, Health and Environmental Preservation “, held on Wednesday, 30th October, 2024, at the Assembly Hall, Main Campus, Samaru, Zaria.
Prof. Usman, who is also the Provost, Samaru, College of Agriculture, Division of Agricultural Colleges, stated that agricultural practices are designed to ensure that the production of safe and healthy food and non-food agricultural products, while also considering economic, social and environmental sustainability.
The Provost emphasized that the primary goals of GAPs are to enhance the safety, quality and quantity of farm produce, protect the environment and safeguard worker health and safety.
The don argued that in the context of crop production, GAPs are specifically referred to as Good Agronomic Practices (GAgrPs).
He said the practices are essential as they encompass responsible farming methods, from site selection and land preparation to harvesting and handling.
Prof Usman disclosed that GAgrPs apply available knowledge to promote environmental, economic and social sustainability, resulting in safer and healthier crop production.
He implied that by adopting GAgrPs, farmers can improve yield and profitability, benefiting both the local economy and national development.
The inaugural lecturer stressed that Nigeria, with the largest population in Africa, estimated at 218 million in 2022 and projected to double by 2050, faces significant opportunities and challenges in crop production.
Prof. Usman submitted that crop production is a critical area for improving nutrition and has the potential to employ around 50 per cent of the youths in various agricultural enterprises.
He thanked the Vice-Chancellor, the University Management and the University Organized Lectures Committee for the opportunity given to him.
In a remark, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala, congratulated the inaugural lecturer for a paper well presented.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Prof. Raymond Bako, the Vice-Chancellor reiterated the need to strengthen agricultural extension services in the University Agricultural Complex.
Prof. Bala noted that there’s also need to improve food production through collaborations.
The Vice-Chancellor enjoined the University Agricultural Complex to come up with sustainable practices to reduce the impact of climate change in the country.
Featured at the event were presentation of plague to the inaugural lecturer and group photograph.
The event was attended by Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments and the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Lafia, Prof. Shehu AbdulRahman, among many others.
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Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. (AHW)
Wednesday, 30th October, 2024.
