At the Annual Farmers Festival organised by the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Iseyin, Oyo State, agricultural researcher and entrepreneur, Dr. Lawal Abdrahaman Adebowale, has called on Nigerian researchers to ensure that scientific innovations and research findings are translated into practical solutions accessible to farmers across the country.
Dr. Adebowale made the call while delivering a lecture at the festival held on May 5, 2026, at the Technical College, Iseyin, where he stressed that research must move beyond laboratories and academic journals to directly improve food production and farmers’ productivity.
The event attracted major stakeholders in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, including the Permanent Secretary, representatives of research institutes and universities, traditional rulers, leadership of AFAN at both state and national levels, agribusiness operators, policymakers, development partners, and farmers from Oyo State and neighbouring states.
Speaking on the theme, “The Impact of Fertilizer and Agrochemical Applications on Crop Yields,” Dr. Adebowale lamented that many valuable agricultural discoveries fail to reach local farmers who need them most.
According to him, “What is the usefulness of a discovery that can increase maize yield from two bags to ten bags per plot if the farmers who need such knowledge never receive the information? If research findings are truly genuine and effective, then the procedures and methodologies must be communicated to farmers for the sake of food sustainability in Nigeria.”
He maintained that while Nigerian farmers are hardworking and resilient, productivity cannot significantly improve without science-driven agricultural practices, modern innovations, and effective extension services.
The researcher noted that Nigeria’s average maize yield remains far below global standards largely because many farmers lack access to modern farming techniques and proper input management systems.
Dr. Adebowale explained that fertilizers and agrochemicals remain essential for improving soil fertility, controlling pests and diseases, and boosting crop yields when applied correctly. He urged farmers to embrace the globally recognised “4Rs” of nutrient stewardship ,the right source, right rate, right time, and right method of fertilizer application.
He also warned against the misuse of agrochemicals, describing improper application as a major threat to human health, crop safety, and environmental sustainability.
Among the common mistakes identified were excessive dosage, poor timing of application, failure to use protective equipment, reuse of chemical containers, and disregard for safety instructions provided by manufacturers.
The guest speaker further advocated Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM), a sustainable approach that combines organic materials with mineral fertilizers to enhance long-term soil productivity and improve harvests.
Addressing government officials and policymakers at the event, Dr. Adebowale called for stronger regulation against counterfeit agricultural inputs and increased investment in agricultural extension services capable of reaching grassroots farmers.
He also urged agribusiness stakeholders and development partners to support initiatives that would improve farmers’ productivity, income, and overall livelihoods.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Adebowale described farmers as critical to Nigeria’s food security and economic stability, insisting that the country already possesses the resources needed to transform its agricultural sector.
“The soil of Oyo State is ready. Our farmers are ready. The science is ready. The time to act is now,” he declared.
The festival ended with renewed calls for stronger collaboration among researchers, farmers, government agencies, and private sector stakeholders toward achieving sustainable food production and national agricultural development.