The Director General and Chief Executive of National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Matthew Adepoju, has reiterated the Agency’s commitment to integrating Space Technology into the Agricultural sector through High-Resolution Satellite Imagery, Crop Monitoring Systems, and Land Mapping solutions for socio economic development.
He made this statement while receiving a delegation from the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) on a courtesy visit to the Agency’s Headquarters in Abuja.
The Director General added that NASRDA is fully equipped with the technical expertise to support Benue State Agricultural transformation by providing real-time environmental data to aid farmers increase productivity and reduce stress.
According to him, NASRDA will leverage Satellite Driven irrigation management, Precision farming Techniques, and Advanced Geospatial intelligence to enhance food security for the economic development of the Nation.
The NASRDA Boss Further revealed that the Space Agency has developed a Satellite based Livestock Tracking System to assist in Monitoring herds, Mitigating conflicts, and ensuring Security within farming communities.
He also added that the Agency can enhance Benue State Agricultural Sector with Crop certification and ensure compliance with international standards and would position the State as key players in agricultural exports to Western Markets and boost the it’s economy and global competitiveness.
Dr. Adepoju assured the team of NASRDA’s support for the soon to be established University of Science, Technology and Agriculture in Benue State.
In his remarks, the leader of the delegation and unit Head of Innovation Solutions, Benue Digital Infrastructure Company, Mr. Shirgba Karkaa commended the Agency’s technological innovations, emphasizing that strategic partnerships between government agencies and the private sector are crucial to National Development.
He added that from his perspective, NASRDA is driven by a pragmatic Direction General whose leadership has been instrumental in advancing the Agency’s mission.
Also speaking, Barr. Japheth Gbande described BDIC’s mission to position Benue as a hub for digital and agricultural innovation, with NASRDA as a key partner in achieving this vision.
He expressed BDIC’s interest in collaborating with NASRDA on Land Mapping and Digital Infrastructure, adding that the Agency has proven expertise that has implemented similar projects across the Country.
Below are pictures from the event.
Chidimma Ayogu
Media & Corporate Communications
