By Dele Ogbodo
The Minister of Science Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu on Monday unveiled a new agricultural space technology capable
of irrigating farm lands using automated handset devices and solar technology from remote distance.
Onu assured said that the Ministry will continue to utilize space technology to boost vital sectors of the economy.
Dr. Onu made the disclosure at the demonstration of the Automated Irrigation Technology Intervention System developed by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).
He said: “With this system, we can now have agriculture and food production all-year-around, today we are growing more rice than we did previously and we are also making very important impact on other crops and it is very important for Nigerians to see that Space Science and technology is very important in helping Nigeria to achieve rapid economic development.”
According to him the application of Space Technology will positively impact food security, national security, health services, education and manufacturing sector.
With Space technology and this latest innovation, Dr, Onu advised young Nigerians to take to farming and reap maximum benefits in terms of huge profits
Speaking further, Dr. Onu said that the application of space technology will also solve the drudgery of farming and enable young Nigerians to be self-reliant and boost Food security for the nation,
He assured Nigerians that the agencies of the Ministry are now poised to roll out more scientific inventions and innovations, urging the agency to delve into Artificial Intelligence and Robotics as a way of making the economy knowledge and innovation driven.
Earlier, the Director-General of National Space Research and Development Agency, Prof Mohammed Onailo Seidu, said that Automated Irrigation Technology Intervention System will make agriculture smarter, precise and attract young ones to agriculture
The device, Seidu, added had been tested on different types of soil from organic, sandy and clay soil in the last six months, adding that it can be controlled from the comfort of one’s home.
He called on the private sector to invest in the new technology and reap maximum financial dividends, assuring that the product will be affordable by Nigerians.