Agricultural engineers to hold International Conference in Uyo BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

Dr. Folarin Alonge, LOC Chair

 All is now set for the 2013 International Conference of The Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers (NIAE) to hold in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

In a brief chat with local organizing committee chairman, Dr. Folarin Alonge said the event is schedule to kick-off on October 21-24, 2013 with the opening ceremony taking place at Ibom Le Meridian Hotel and Golf Resort, while other days of the event will take place at Faculty of Engineering, University of Uyo.

The LOC chairman noted that the conference will has its theme “Agricultural Mechanization: A Veritable Component of Agricultural Transformation Agenda” with other sub themes to include: Operation and maintenance of Farm Machinery for sustainable agricultural mechanization, mechanization policy for objective goal attainment of Agricultural transformation agenda, soil and water engineering for environmental sustainability, agro-food process and storage technology for value chain addition and food security, innovation and entrepreneurship as keys to value delivery and sustainable food production, farm structures and electrification for enhanced rural life and productivity and emerging technologies for sustainable agricultural and food production.

Dr. Alonge further said they are expecting speakers from within and outside the country as this will be the first time the conference will hold in Uyo and it is the 34th since its formation, adding that the conference will help educate and enlighten the people of Akwa Ibom in particular and the nation at large to have more information on agricultural technologies which will go a long way to help them succeed in their different fields of agricultural business as well as development of man powers and farmers in particular even as he called on Akwa Ibom people to turn out en-mass to attend the conference.