DG NNRA MEETS MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

DG NNRA MEETS MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

The Agricultural Sector is one of the many sectors regulated by the NNRA to ensure safety of health, life and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation.

The DG/CEO of NNRA, Dr.Yau Idris, in his effort to engage Key Stakeholders of the Authority and map out effective collaboration with them paid a courtesy visit to the Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Mohammed Sabo Nanono on Tuesday,24^th August 2021 in his office

The DG, stated that NNRA contributes to sustainable Agricultural practices  through issuing licences for the use of nuclear and ionizing radiation sources for Genetic Variability, Sterile Insect Technique(SIT), Food Preservation through Irradiation, Fertilizer Enhancements, Water Resources Management, Animal Production and Health to the Institute for Agricultural Research(IAR) Ahmadu Bello University,(ABU) Zaria, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA)Ibadan and  the National  Animal Production Research Institute(NAPRI) Zaria amongst others.

He further stated that, it is in the above context that the NNRA seeks to collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development towards the Minister’s quest to revamp the Agricultural sector and guarantee Food Security. This will be achieved through a joint conduct of Soil Fertility Mapping, Radiological Survey and Assessment of farmland contaminated with Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM). The success of this exercise will reduce the prevalence of cancer and other related diseases in the country.

The Hon. Minister, Alhaji Nanono in his response, stated that soil mapping and conducting of radiological survey to ascertain the levels of ionizing radiation at all instances and locations are very important. He further said that the need of such surveys and interventions in ensuring safety of the citizens cannot be over emphasized.

He reiterated that a comprehensive structure will be put in place with the NNRA, especially the engagement of all specialized research institutes, departments, Units, and Universities of Agriculture. He appreciated the DG of the NNRA with his team and promised to take appropriate actions to kick start the process without further delay.