The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in collaboration with Sokoto and Niger states has outlined plans to boost food security and agricultural production.
The synergy aims to ramp up the production of cassava, rice, maize, and other grains while ensuring the successful implementation of the 2023-2024 wet and dry season farming across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
During a meeting in Abuja, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, who received the governors of Sokoto State, Aliyu Sokoto, and Niger State, Umaru Bago, emphasised that the partnership aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The collaboration is also in response to the pressing need to address food security emergency declaration, combat food inflation, foster job creation, alleviate poverty, and guarantee food and nutrition security nationwide.
While commending the governors for their states’ agricultural achievements, the minister stressed the imperative of bolstering the number of extension agents across states and enhancing the capacity and welfare of existing ones to further drive agricultural development.
Kyari expressed confidence that through continued collaboration and dedication, Nigeria will overcome current challenges and achieve collective goals for a more prosperous agricultural sector.
Governor Aliyu Sokoto of Sokoto State voiced concerns regarding the adverse effects of insecurity on farming activities in certain areas of the state.
He emphasised the significance of support and collaboration from the ministry to effectively address these challenges and fulfil President Bola Tinubu’s vision of providing comprehensive support to farmers nationwide.
Meanwhile, Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State highlighted the state’s immense agricultural potential, including 76,000 square kilometres of arable land and abundant water resources as he affirmed the state’s preparedness to harness these agricultural assets to advance the food security agenda.
Governor Bago outlined Niger State’s strategic focus on various agricultural sectors, including crop cultivation, animal husbandry, and aquaculture as pivotal areas for agricultural development.
Additionally, he unveiled the state’s ambitious plans to expand agricultural infrastructure, including the preparation of 250 hectares of land for cultivation, with over 100,000 hectares already primed for agricultural activities.
The Niger State governor reiterated the state government’s commitment to leveraging agriculture as a catalyst for economic growth and prosperity and to lead in rice production and serve as a model for agricultural development in Nigeria.
