Senate passes bill to establish Federal College of Agriculture in Borno

By Naomi Sharang

The Senate has passed for third reading a bill seeking to establish a Federal College of Agriculture in Shani Local Government Area of Borno.

The passage followed the adoption of recommendations in a report presented by the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions during plenary on Thursday.

The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Mohammed Ndume (APC-Borno South), said the proposed institution would promote agricultural knowledge, improve productivity and encourage modern farming techniques.

“One of the fundamental challenges facing agriculture in Nigeria is our continued reliance on crude farming methods.

“We have not made sufficient progress in improving productivity and making farming easier through modern technology,” he said.

Ndume said the college, when established, would promote improved farming techniques, technology, agricultural knowledge and crop varieties among farmers.

“For those who may not know Shani, it is a local government area in Borno South.

“It is known for agriculture, particularly the cultivation of rice, tomatoes and onions and shares boundaries with Adamawa and Bauchi states, which are also agricultural zones.

“I am excited about this achievement. I consider it one of my lifetime achievements in the National Assembly, especially as we approach the end of our legislative session,” he said.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, commended the committee and the bill’s sponsor for the development initiative.

He said the proposed institution would promote agricultural development in Nigeria.

The bill will be transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence before being sent to President Bola Tinubu for assent, in line with legislative procedures. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

NNL/TAK

Edited by Tosin Kolade