The Executive Director, National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi, Niger state, Dr Aliyu Umar, has lauded the effort of the federal government in the development of research in the country.
Dr Umar made the commendation in an interview with newsmen in Bida on Sunday.
He said research development is encouraging, while appealing for more funding to the institute to execute more capital projects.
“The federal government is doing its best as we have achieved a lot in terms of infrastructure development, among other successes in this institute.
“But there is still room for improvement. The government should increase funding.
“Increased funding will enable us to achieve more and to take the institute to the next level of development,” he said.
Umar also appealed for the construction of more access road to communities in order to boost production.
“We appeal to the government to improve on provision of infrastructure which include road construction and power supply for quality service delivery,” he added.
The executive director also identified climate change and security challenges, among others, as some of the problems affecting research activities.
Besides, he urged Nigerians to embrace dry season rice farming considering its importance to human and societal development.
“They should approach dry season rice farming with utmost sincerity.
”As the advantages of dry season rice farming outweigh the raining season rice farming,” he added.
