Experts seek youths involvement in solving agriculture, industrial challenges

Moved by the need to feed the ever-increasing population, youths have been urged to make use of the areas impacted by agricultural technology to develop machines for productivity and profitability.

A senior research officer at the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, (FIIRO), Oshodi, Lagos, Mrs. Edith Alagbe who gave the charge at a symposium for students, organised by Lagos State chapter of Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said with the capacity of technology in boosting quality and content of animal food and energy sources, satisfying industries with inputs and securing the national food security, the youths who specialise in engineering must help the country in developing mechanical devices for solving some of the challenges in the sector.

Alagbe explained that in thinking of viable areas where they could impact the development of the country, their innovation must be data driven, reflect on the lapses of existing programmes and projects, consider the implications of design beyond an immediate project and must ensure that ideas are replicable and customisable both within and outside the country.

According to her, parts of the success story of FIIRO in scientific, technological capacity and skilled manpower has been the development of Motorised Okro Slicer, Palm Wine Mixer/Filling Machine, Juice Extractor, Rural Garri Fryer, Cassava Detoxifier, Cassava Peeler, Cashew Nut Roaster, amongst other devices that have helped in saving cost and energy.

Speaking on renewable energy, the Managing Director of Tranos Nigeria Limited, Lagos Mr. Jude Abalaka stated that energy is vital to the development of an economy especially for domestic, commercial, and industrial sector, hence the need to have adequate knowledge of technology as the driver of growth in modern time.