The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, yesterday launched the National Electronic Extension Platform (NEEP), a digital initiative to  enhance agricultural service delivery, and improve productivity.

Speaking at the opening of the National Agricultural Extension Research Summit in Abuja, the  minister said the platform would also strengthen the linkage between research institutions and farmers.

NEEP is designed to work with the National Agricultural Research and Extension System (NARES) and other relevant institutions to address the low extension agent-to-farmer ratio.

The minister said the digital platform will provide real-time access to vital agricultural information, offering an interactive and cost-effective alternative to traditional extension services while also mitigating security risks faced by field agents.

He highlighted the role of technology in improving labour productivity, particularly through the distribution of tractors for land preparation, planting, and harvesting.

Abdullahi said the summit was part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to leverage technology for agricultural extension services.

He said the Federal Department of Agricultural Extension, the soft launch of NEEP will strengthen agricultural service delivery in the country.

He noted that the ministry had deployed technologies to improve labour productivity through distribution of tractors for land preparation, planting and harvesting.

In his remarks, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ogunbiyi Marcus, acknowledged the historical challenges faced by Nigeria’s extension services due to inconsistent policies, inadequate funding, and limited technological adoption.

He said despite past shortcomings, the use of digital technology, as outlined in the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP) 2022-2027, presented a significant opportunity for improvement.

He noted that adequate funding and effective deployment of digital tools will ensure greater results.

Also, Director of the Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Service, Dr. Deola Tayo Lordbanjou, emphasised the critical role of agricultural extension services in translating research findings, innovative practices, and new technologies into practical solutions for farmers.

He noted that an effective extension system boosts agricultural productivity, increases income, enhances food security, and improves rural livelihoods.

He, however, acknowledged the challenges faced by the sector, including inadequate funding, weak research-extension-farmer linkages, and poor coordination among stakeholders.

He said, “Research is crucial to the agricultural development of any nation. The beauty of the efforts made by Agricultural Research Institutes is fully realized through a well-structured extension service.

“Our goal is to ensure that farmers receive research outputs in a user-friendly manner to increase productivity, create jobs, and improve the nation’s GDP in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.”

He further noted past efforts to strengthen extension services, including the establishment of National Farmers’ Helpline Centers in six geopolitical zones since 2018.

These centers, he said, operate a toll-free, mobile-based technology that connects National Agricultural Research Institutes (NARIs) with extension providers and farmers in real-time, ensuring the timely dissemination of agricultural innovations and market information.

To further consolidate these efforts, he said the federal government introduced NEEP, a cyber-driven platform that integrates all stakeholders in the National Extension Service Delivery System.

Lordbanjou said, “The platform will onboard outputs from National Agricultural Research Institutes, universities, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Agricultural Development Programs (ADPs), and financial institutions.

“NEEP will improve extension agent-to-farmer ratios, reduce security risks for extension agents, and ensure cost-effective and timely delivery of extension services.”