Morufat Li-Hammed, a food biotechnologist, has urged African farmers to adopt modern farming methods such as hydroponics in order to enhance their crop yields.
In a statement provided to PUNCH Online on Friday, Li-Hammed issued the appeal during a recent webinar organized by the Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Network Development Foundation.
The researcher acknowledged the importance of raising awareness and providing education for African farmers about hydroponics and its potential to revolutionize agriculture in Africa.
She mentioned that technologies like hydroponics aid in tackling issues related to food security, limited land availability, and climate change, while also enhancing agricultural output.
She stated, "Hydroponics isn’t a novel idea. Ancient societies such as the Babylonians and Aztecs employed aquatic cultivation techniques. Progress in science during the 1800s and 1900s led to improvements in hydroponic nutrient formulas, and by the 1940s, even the U.S. military had adopted these practices for producing sustenance in isolated regions."
Currently, NASA employs hydroponics for space cultivation, and this method is widely adopted by contemporary commercial farms globally. Hydroponics is increasingly becoming popular in Africa and Nigeria as an eco-friendly approach suitable for both urban and small-space agriculture.
Li-Hammed went on to say that numerous soilless cultivation methods exist, including various hydroponic systems like the Nutrient Film Technique, Deep Water Culture, Aeroponics, and Wick Systems.
As stated by the botanist, these techniques facilitate better utilization of water and nutrients, rendering them suitable for areas where fertile land is scarce.
Li-Hammed mentioned the advantages of hydroponics stating, "Compared to conventional soil cultivation, hydroponic systems offer numerous benefits such as saving water, increasing crop output, optimizing space usage, controlling pests and diseases, enabling continuous production throughout the year, decreasing labor needs and eliminating weeds, along with promoting environmental sustainability."
She pointed out that numerous profitable hydroponic farms have sprung up around the world, underscoring the promise of this cutting-edge agricultural technique. Below are some prominent instances:
The proponent of sustainable farming argued that hydroponic systems can be set up affordably with readily available local resources, thus providing an opportunity for smaller farmers to adopt this method.
Li-Hammed likewise highlighted the importance of policy backing, investments, and educational programs to encourage hydroponic agriculture throughout Africa.
"As Africa progresses toward sustainable and climate-resistant farming practices, hydroponics presents a promising route for enhancing food security and fostering economic development," she stated.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
0 Comments