The Minister of Agriculture, Kyari, has called upon state governments and local authorities to furnish verified lists of authentic farmers as preparations for the second phase of dry season farming gain momentum. During a meeting with the Governor of Kastina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, the minister emphasized the importance of accurate information to facilitate the successful implementation of the upcoming planting season.
Kyari revealed that the focus of the dry season farming initiative would be on cultivating crops such as wheat, rice, maize, and cassava. He expressed confidence in surpassing the target of cultivating 400,000 hectares of farmland, a goal set by President Bola Tinubu for food production. However, he highlighted the necessity of cooperation from state and local government authorities to achieve this ambitious target.
“We are out to achieve the President’s agenda on food security, poverty reduction, and job creation,” stated the minister. “We are also committed to achieving the President’s agenda to cultivate 400,000 hectares of arable land for this year.”
Kyari stressed the importance of having a genuine and verifiable list of farmers, stating, “And we can exceed the president’s target if the local government comes up with a genuine and verifiable list of farmers. It is very important because they have to know who the genuine farmers are.”
Acknowledging the need for collaboration from all levels of government, the minister underscored that achieving the outlined goals depends on securing buy-in from the state and local governments. The success of the dry season farming initiative is contingent on accurate information, streamlined cooperation, and a collective effort to support the agricultural agenda set forth by the President.
As the nation works towards enhancing food security, reducing poverty, and creating employment opportunities, the call for collaboration between federal, state, and local authorities becomes pivotal in realizing these agricultural ambitions.
