Farmers and agricultural experts are advocating for data-driven and science-based agricultural techniques to increase yields, maximize revenues, and minimize harvest losses.
According to the experts who spoke at the second All Farmers Business Meeting 2.0, which was recently held in Lagos, farming needs to change from traditional to precise in order to maintain sustainability and fortify food systems.
The CEO of Rid Lab, Femi Dairo, urged all tiers of government to establish laws that support the growth of science-based practices.
“Data generated from the right diagnosis helps maximise profits, reduce losses, and protect food systems.”
He emphasized that science-driven farming provides farmers with a clear route to resilience and profitability, rather than being a burden.
Although Dairo acknowledged the expense of gathering high-quality farm data, he emphasized its long-term benefits.
“It’s a more sustainable approach than relying on assumptions. Each of us has a role to play—government, farmers, media, and stakeholders—so investors can have confidence in the system,” he said.
He urged the government to standardize diagnostics in agriculture. “We’re trusting that the government will make ‘diagnosis first’ a rule, not the exception.”
“We also hope diagnostic labs are funded as public health infrastructure, to guard standards and curb antibiotic misuse,” he added.
Olorunfemi Oniyide, the state deputy director of Fisheries, spoke on behalf of Lagos State Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Systems Abisola Olusanya during her keynote address, reaffirming the state’s dedication to science-driven farming.
“The Lagos State ministry of Agriculture and Food System recognises the urgent need to promote proper diagnosis, responsible use of veterinary medicines, and continuous capacity building,” she noted.
Olusanya highlighted the often-overlooked impact of antibiotic misuse. “The silent yet devastating effects—ranging from high mortality in poultry and aquaculture to failed treatments and rising costs—cannot be ignored,” she said.
Rid Labs’ veterinary technical manager, David Aliyu, issued a warning about the escalating danger of antibiotic resistance. He claimed that having farm animals that are resistant to antibiotics is dangerous for the general public’s health.
“Only the right diagnosis, vaccination at the right time, and proper dosages can curb this menace,” Aliyu noted.
The managing director of Rid Labs, Adewunmi Dairo, advocated for a change in perspective, pointing out that data and facts must be the foundation of agriculture’s future.
She claims that statistics provide a narrative that offers farmers a competitive advantage. Farming needs to be approached as a business, not a hunch.
The event assembled government officials, researchers, and industry executives, all agreed on one point: the route to sustainable agriculture and food security is paved with data.