Agro-diagnostic firm RID LAB has advocated for the nation to embrace data-driven, science-based agricultural methods, claiming that doing so will lower losses in the industry.
This request was made by Mr. Femi Dairo, the CEO and Business Head of RID LAB, during the second All Farmers Business Meeting 2.0 (AFBM) held in Ikorodu, Lagos, on Wednesday.
According to Dairo, in order for science-based agricultural techniques to flourish in the nation, the government must now establish enabling regulations.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), RID LABS is a veterinary clinic and animal diagnostic center devoted to the welfare of animals, offering thorough diagnostic services to enhance animal health and welfare.
It specializes in prompt and precise diagnoses for all animals, including pets and cattle.
Making diagnosis before therapy a rule rather than an exception is one of the enabling policies that the government should establish, according to Dairo.
He emphasized the value of diagnosing animals before treating them, claiming that this helped to stop the industry’s ongoing losses.
“We understand that a system of diagnosis before treatment may sometimes feel like the hours are unending. Farmers usually ask why they need to wait for hours rather than just administering drugs to the livestock.
“Without diagnosis we cannot promote the sustainability we desire and we cannot hold up public health.
“We have seen how difficult it is when we query farmers for information, sometimes they resist, but we can show how farms that trusted diagnosis first, reduced losses.
“And this diagnosis has helped us solve animal health problems sustainably.
“We will show you how together we are protecting our food systems, safeguarding public health and shaping a profitable future.
“However, this vision is not for us to carry alone, we all have a role to play,” Dairo said.
The CEO conveyed the hope that governments will fulfill their public health responsibilities.
He went on to say that authorities such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) should protect the guidelines, prevent antibiotic abuse, and guarantee that labs continue to be in compliance with international standards.
“We hope the media becomes the voice of truth, carrying the message to masses that science-driven farming is not a burden, but a lifeline.
“We want farmers to not only receive products, but also the knowledge and diagnosis to use them appropriately.
“Farmers are at the heart of the system, your animals, your decisions and discipline shape the nation’s food systems.
“Diagnosis is not an afterthought but the backbone of modern agriculture,” he said.
In her keynote speech, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, the Lagos State Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Systems, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing data-driven agricultural practices for the benefit of public health as well as farmers’ profits.
Olusanya praised and complimented the AFBM 2.0 organizers on behalf of the Deputy Director of Fisheries, Mr. Olorunfemi Oniyide.
She said: “We believe that for the farmers, what we are about to discuss today will move the sector forward.
“Operating this law driven platform where farmers, agriculture scientists, regulators and investors can converge to exchange ideas and chart new pathways for a stronger, more profitable and more sustainable food systems is laudable.
“This year’s theme: “Numbers Don’t Lie: Turning Farm Data to Profits”, is very timely. Successful farming decisions must be driven by facts and figures, not guess work.
“By leveraging data, we can reduce losses, improve productivity, strengthen agribusinesses and secure greater profitability for us,” Olusanya said
She said further: “I am also particularly pleased that this edition of the meeting addresses the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance in agriculture.
“The silent yet devastating effect of antibiotic misuse ranging from high mortality in poultry and agriculture, treatments and rising production costs cannot be overlooked.
“The Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems recognises the urgent need to address this challenge.
“We are committed to promoting proper diagnosis, responsible use of veterinary medicines, continuous capacity building and the development of some policy frameworks.
“By working together, we can promote farm profitability while also protecting public health,” the commissioner said.
The managing director of Rid-Agric. Ltd., a division of RID LAB, Mrs. Adewunmi Dairo, reiterated the significance of data for the expansion of the agriculture industry.
“Turning data into profit captures the very heart of why we are gathered here today. For too long, farming has been driven by assumptions and guesswork.
“However in today’s world, we declare that the future of agriculture must be built on facts, on data and on truth.
“Because when numbers speak, they don’t just tell the story, they show us the path to profit, sustainability and growth.
“So to our government representatives and regulators, we thank you for your commitment to policies that protect farmers, consumers and public health.
“To our partners, pharmaceutical companies and sponsors, your innovation and investment are critical to moving agriculture forward.
“To our industry associates, you give farmers a united voice and strengthen our collective progress. And to our farmers, the heartbeat of this meeting, you rise every day to feed this nation.
“Your resilience inspires us, and today, we have gathered to honour and equip you. We gather to track a new path together,” she said. (NAN)