Agriculture

Don Seeks Improved Efforts on Wildlife Conservation

By Web News 323

By Lanre Omotoso

As the world celebrates Wildlife Day, a professor of Agricultural Economics and Extension at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, FUOYE, Raphael Omolehin has called for more efforts to protect varieties of animals and plants from extinction.

In an interview with Radio Nigeria in Ado-Ekiti, Professor Omolehin noted that continuous destruction of the wildlife, which comprises animals, plants and water bodies, would lead to the inability of the coming generation to identify them.

He emphasized the economic importance of wildlife species including birds, insects and earthworms as pollinators that help crops to yield bountifully.

Professor Omolehin noted that the wildlife also help to prevent pollution by filtering the air and releasing oxygen for human beings to breathe in. 

The university lecturer emphasized that wildlife serves as a source of tourism, education, as well as employment for tour guides and veterinarians.

He stressed further that people in the developed countries often go for picnics in the wild, which help them to be closer to nature, look fresher and calm, but such could not happen in Nigeria due to insecurity.

The don pointed out that in developed countries, squirrels could be seen roaming the streets without being killed, unlike Nigeria where people hunt them for food.

It would be recalled that the United Nations General Assembly had in 2013 proclaimed March 3 of every year as World Wildlife Day to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and protection of wildlife as well as their habitats, and the theme for this year is, “Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet”.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels and also join our Whatsapp Update Group.

Agriculture

Plant more leguminous crops for food security – Professor Omolehin

By Web News 712

By Lanre Omotosho

Farmers in the country have been enjoined to plant more leguminous crops to achieve food security and create economic stability.

A lecturer in the department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Professor Raphael Omolehin gave the advice to commemorate this year’s World Pulses Day.

Professor Omolehin who identified pulses as edible seeds of legume plants of beans and groundnut, said planting them would increase fertility of soil, prevent erosion as well as suppress weed on farmland.

The don also noted that the pulse seeds are packed with nutrients and high protein content, which make them an ideal source of protein for those who do not like to consume meat or dairy.

Professor Omolehin stressed that beans which are part of legumes could be made into Moin-Moin, Akara and soup, while groundnut could be fried or cooked, and their by-products serve as animal feeds.

The don emphasized that pulses are low in fat and rich in soluble fiber, could lower cholesterol, control blood sugar, manage diabetes, heart conditions and combat obesity.

In 2016, the United Nations General Assembly designated February 10 as World Pulses Day to raise awareness about the healthy diets of the seeds, while the theme for this year is “Pulses for a Sustainable Future”.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group