The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has outlined a comprehensive strategy comprising immediate, short-term, medium-term, and long-term measures to revitalize the agriculture sector and fulfill President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to achieving food security in Nigeria.
Among the immediate interventions is the initiation of dry season wheat production, slated to commence in November. This initiative is a crucial component of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro Pocket (NAGS-AP) projects, which are being funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB). The program aims to cultivate 875,000 metric tonnes of wheat across more than 70,000 hectares in wheat-producing regions, contributing to the country’s food reserve.
Addressing the media during a weekend briefing on the agriculture sector’s path forward to realize President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, Minister Kyari, joined by Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, emphasized the government’s commitment to reclaiming lands that have been lost to terrorist activities, with the intention of converting them for agricultural purposes.
The Minister reiterated the prevailing challenge of hunger in the country and highlighted key elements of the plan, including funding for the production of improved seeds, increased support for smallholder women farmers nationwide, the promotion of agriculture as an attractive pursuit for young people, and the acceleration of mechanization within the sector.
The government’s multifaceted approach underscores its dedication to tackling food security issues and revitalizing the agricultural landscape, as it aligns with President Tinubu’s vision for a more prosperous and food-secure Nigeria.
