The Horticultural Society of Nigeria, HORTSON, has featured on a 30-minute programme, HORTSON Half Hour, on AgriGens Media, where it highlighted the organisation’s mandate, activities and contributions to the development of horticulture in Nigeria.
The programme, held on 10th of September 2026, featured the immediate past President of HORTSON, Professor Rufus Ipinmoroti, and the current President of the society, Dr. Ayoola Abdulrafiu Monsur.
Speaking on the history and mandate of the organisation, Professor Ipinmoroti said HORTSON was established in 1977 and would mark its 50th anniversary next year.
He explained that the society focuses on various areas of horticulture, including fruit production, vegetable farming, landscaping and floriculture.
Professor Ipinmoroti noted that horticulture is an important segment of agriculture that contributes significantly to food production and healthy consumption.
He stressed the need for Nigerians to embrace fruit production and encouraged individuals to plant at least one fruit tree in their compounds as part of efforts to promote healthy food consumption and reduce dependence on processed fruits.
He also called on young and upcoming horticulturists to join HORTSON, urging interested individuals to obtain membership forms through the organisation’s official website.
Also speaking, the President of HORTSON, Dr. Ayoola Abdulrafiu Monsur, highlighted the Society’s 44th Annual Conference, scheduled to hold from 8th to 12th of November 2026, in collaboration with the University of Ilorin and the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority.
He said the conference, themed “Sustainable Horticultural Practices:Farming and Climate Smart Technology for National Food Security,” would bring together Horticulturists, Farmers, Students, Researchers and other Stakeholders across various areas of horticulture, including fruit, vegetable and medicinal plant production.
Dr. Monsur disclosed that the registration fee for the conference had been subsidised to enable more people to participate and benefit from the event.
He added that the conference would provide opportunities for participants to exhibit flowers, fruits and other horticultural products, while investors would also have the opportunity to explore business opportunities within the sector.
The HORTSON President further stated that accommodation would be available to participants at discounted rates throughout the conference.
The programme ended with a renewed call for greater participation in horticulture, stronger collaboration among stakeholders and increased investment in the sector to promote sustainable agriculture and healthier food production in Nigeria.
