By Oriri Peter

The Centre for Satellite Technology Development in Nigeria (CSTD) and National Space Research and Development Agency, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology held their 2018 Annual Space Conference and Exhibition on
the THEME "Revolutionizing Agriculture Through Space Science and Technological Application" on Tuesday 14th August, 2018 at Obasanjo Space Centre, Abuja.

Prof. S.O Muhammad Director General of National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) while giving his welcome address noted that Nigeria is currently experiencing an agricultural revolution as a result of the Federal Government's diversity program in which other sectors of the economy are being jumpstarted in other to insulate the country's dependence on oil. So it's safe to say CSTD is leaving up to its mandate by exploring ways in which Space technology can be used as a driving tool to improve agricultural practices and in turn better the lives of the average Nigeria.

Its significant to note that in Nigeria, sustainable farmers are using innovative techniques to produce and distribute food. Food is now being grown on rooftops, in community gardens and anywhere there is space. Agricultural innovation runs across the food spectrum from aquaponics to food hubs. These new models are changing the way food is grown and distributed and it seems the sky is the limit when it comes to project to increase locally grown, sustainably produced food.

Agricultural entrepreneurs are working towards food independence both for city dwellers and rural residents, hence the need for Revolutionizing Agriculture Through Space Science and Technology Applications should become imperative because it touches on a sector that is critical to the lives of all Nigerians regardless of tribe, religion or class.

The Keynote Speaker Prof. Placid Njoku recommended that the Federal Government of Nigeria should statutorily allocate, annually, 3% of the consolidated revenue fund of the federation to significantly upscale and sustain development of Science Space Technology (SST) in Nigeria, he further recommended that Government should expedite the development and launching of NigComSat-2 and NigComsat-3 with specific target achievement date to enhance Nigeria's communications reach and efficiency and bring enhanced impetus into the national space technology development program.