Agro-diagnostic Coy Advocates Adoption Of Data-driven, Science-based Agriculture Practices

Folashade Adeniran
Aug, Thu, 2025

Agriculture

Agro-diagnostic coy advocates adoption of data-driven, science-based agriculture practices

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By Mercy Omoike

RID LAB, an agro-diagnostic company, has called for the adoption of data-driven, science-based agriculture practices in the country, saying it will reduce losses in the sector.

Mr Femi Dairo, the Chief Executive Officer and Business Head at RID LAB, made this call at the second edition of its All Farmers Business Meeting 2.0 (AFBM) on Wednesday at Ikorodu, Lagos.

Dairo said it had become necessary for the government to create enabling policies for science-based agriculture practices to thrive in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that RID LABS is an Animal Diagnostic Centre and veterinary facility dedicated to the well-being of animals, providing comprehensive diagnostic services to improve animal health and welfare.

It specialises in accurate and timely diagnostics for all species, from pets to livestock.

Dairo said that one of the enabling policies government should create was making diagnosis first before treatment a rule and not an exception.

He stressed the importance of diagnosis before treatment in animal farming, saying it prevented constant losses in the sector.

“We understand that a system of diagnosis before treatment may sometimes feel like the hours are unending. Farmers usually ask why they need to wait for hours rather than just administering drugs to the livestock.

“Without diagnosis we cannot promote the sustainability we desire and we cannot hold up public health.

“We have seen how difficult it is when we query farmers for information, sometimes they resist, but we can show how farms that trusted diagnosis first, reduced losses.

“And this diagnosis has helped us solve animal health problems sustainably.

“We will show you how together we are protecting our food systems, safeguarding public health and shaping a profitable future.

“However, this vision is not for us to carry alone, we all have a role to play,” Dairo said.

The chief executive expressed the hope that governments would perform their duties towards public health.

He added that regulators like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) should guard the standards and stop misuse of antibiotics, and ensure that laboratories remain globally compliant.

“We hope the media becomes the voice of truth, carrying the message to masses that science-driven farming is not a burden, but a lifeline.

“We want farmers to not only receive products, but also the knowledge and diagnosis to use them appropriately.

“Farmers are at the heart of the system, your animals, your decisions and discipline shape the nation’s food systems.

“Diagnosis is not an afterthought but the backbone of modern agriculture,” he said.

In her keynote address, the Lagos State Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, restated the government’s commitment to promoting data-driven agriculture practices not just for the farmers’ profits but for public health.

Olusanya, who was represented by the Deputy Director of Fisheries, Mr Olorunfemi Oniyide, congratulated and commended the organisers of AFBM 2.0.

She said: “We believe that for the farmers, what we are about to discuss today will move the sector forward.

“Operating this law driven platform where farmers, agriculture scientists, regulators and investors can converge to exchange ideas and chart new pathways for a stronger, more profitable and more sustainable food systems is laudable.

“This year’s theme: “Numbers Don’t Lie: Turning Farm Data to Profits”, is very timely. Successful farming decisions must be driven by facts and figures, not guess work.

“By leveraging data, we can reduce losses, improve productivity, strengthen agribusinesses and secure greater profitability for us,” Olusanya said

She said further: “I am also particularly pleased that this edition of the meeting addresses the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance in agriculture.

“The silent yet devastating effect of antibiotic misuse ranging from high mortality in poultry and agriculture, treatments and rising production costs cannot be overlooked.

“The Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems recognises the urgent need to address this challenge.

“We are committed to promoting proper diagnosis, responsible use of veterinary medicines, continuous capacity building and the development of some policy frameworks.

“By working together, we can promote farm profitability while also protecting public health,” the commissioner said.

On her part, Mrs Adewunmi Dairo, Managing Director of Rid-Agric. Ltd., an affiliate of RID LAB, restated the importance of data to growth in the agriculture sector.

“Turning data into profit captures the very heart of why we are gathered here today. For too long, farming has been driven by assumptions and guesswork.

“However in today’s world, we declare that the future of agriculture must be built on facts, on data and on truth.

“Because when numbers speak, they don’t just tell the story, they show us the path to profit, sustainability and growth.

“So to our government representatives and regulators, we thank you for your commitment to policies that protect farmers, consumers and public health.

“To our partners, pharmaceutical companies and sponsors, your innovation and investment are critical to moving agriculture forward.

“To our industry associates, you give farmers a united voice and strengthen our collective progress. And to our farmers, the heartbeat of this meeting, you rise every day to feed this nation.

“Your resilience inspires us, and today, we have gathered to honour and equip you. We gather to track a new path together,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

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