Dr Gerald Smith, the US Counselor for Agriculture Affairs in Nigeria, Benin, and Cameroon, has expressed the consulate’s readiness to collaborate with the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT).
Smith stated this in Ibadan on Tuesday during a working visit to the institute.
He commended NIHORT for the important work it is doing for Nigeria. He stressed the importance of horticultural produce to export earnings for the US and what it can mean for Nigeria to improve its economy.
Smith said the primary purpose of his visit was to collaborate with the institute, having understood its mandate and operations.
“Normally I get requests from US universities and researchers about work that is going on in Nigeria and it is better to understand what is going on in the country.
“One area we have been involved in has been to provide robust support in biotechnology. We have supported Nigeria in commercialising BT Cowpea, and we are working with the Abuja regulators to commercialise BT Corn for farmers next year.
“We see the area of Biotechnology as a potential area of synergy and collaborative efforts,” Smith said.
He noted that the US has been working with Nigerian researchers. We offer several fellowships to study and continue research in the US for a semester at US universities, and we mentor experts in their fields.
“They have the opportunity to work in the most advanced laboratories in the world. Those kinds of opportunities when they come I will also reach out to your leadership here (NIHORT) to recommend some of the work that you are doing,” Smith said.
He stated that by January 2023, six faculties will exchange who will be studying in Nigeria and they will be working on the issue of food safety.
Earlier, in his address, Dr Mohammed Attanda, the Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIHORT, expressed his delight at the US consulate’s visit and added that the institute would be glad to collaborate with it.
Attanda, however, highlighted areas of possible collaboration, having noted the institute’s mandate to conduct research into genetic improvement, technology production, processing, storage, utilisation, and marketing of tropical fruits, vegetables, spices, and ornamental plants of nutritional and economic importance.
He stated that the institute’s potential included human resources, capacity to develop organic products, and value-added products.
“On possible areas of collaboration, NIHORT wishes to collaborate with the US on food safety testing. The Institute has human resources and some of the equipment and therefore would like to partner with the US on routine testing of food products before export and provision of adequate equipment for the task.
“Also, NIHORT is ready to partner with the US on the programme ‘Supporting Opportunities in Livelihoods Developments ‘in red Onions, Mushrooms and Chili pepper value chains.
“Training of our staff on biotechnology that may facilitate an increase in the availability of improved planting materials. 4. Assistance with the provision of state-of-the-art equipment such as the AAS, GC.
“Assistance with increasing the genetic diversity and conservation status of indigenous fruits and vegetables for increased healthy livelihood.
NIHORT also seeks research collaboration with USDA and access to USAID grants through the Institute grant management office,” Attanda said.
