FECA tasks farmers, youths to embrace AI for food security
By Boye Oyeyemi –
The Federal College of Agriculture (FECA), Akure, has called on Nigerian farmers and youths to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) to boost agricultural productivity and strengthen food security.
Dr. Ademola Ajayi, Head of the Department of Crop Production Technology at FECA, made the call on Thursday in Akure during the institution’s annual lecture and inter-department quiz organised by the Kites Press Club.
Ajayi, represented by Mr. Sergius Iheanacho-Nwokeji, delivered a lecture themed “The Role of AI in Agriculture and Food Security,” stressing that AI adoption would help farmers optimize production and simplify farming operations.
He noted that the integration of AI in agriculture presents a transformative opportunity to address longstanding challenges in the sector. “Nigerian farmers must not be left behind in this digital revolution,” he said.
“Gone are the days when farming was done manually without any tools. With AI-powered devices like smartphones, drones, and laptops, agriculture can now be more precise, productive, and sustainable,” he added.
Ajayi encouraged young Nigerians not to abandon agriculture in pursuit of tech careers, but instead to merge both fields to create smart farms and modern food systems.
“Our youths don’t need to leave agriculture behind to enter tech,” he said. “They can build Nigeria’s next generation of smart farms using innovation and AI tools.”
He concluded that the prosperity of Nigeria lies not underground, but in the hands of those empowered to farm, innovate, and lead the nation’s agricultural future.
