FG determined to revamp agriculture with inputs, equipment -Minister
Aliyu Sabi Abdullah, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to revamping agriculture with significant investments in mechanized equipment, farm inputs, and infrastructure. During a visit to Bwari cluster farms and Government Girls Secondary School Dutse in Abuja, as part of the World Food Day celebrations, the minister announced that thousands of mechanized tools, such as tractors, planters, and harvesters, have been secured to boost farming efficiency. Additionally, he provided sprayers, fertilizers, pesticides, and organic inputs to support both farmers and student farmers.
The minister highlighted the importance of field visits to better understand challenges and progress in farming clusters, emphasizing that Nigeria’s celebration of World Food Day aligns with global efforts to underscore the significance of food security. Abdullah noted that while insecurity remains a concern in some areas, substantial progress has been made toward food production, supported by dry season farming initiatives and collaborative efforts with stakeholders.
Furthermore, the government is implementing strategies to address the persistent high cost of food, which has shown signs of improvement due to increased production and reduced post-harvest losses. He also discussed the ongoing efforts to resolve issues related to insecurity and livestock farming through the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
Source: BusinessDay
Expert Review:
The government’s focus on mechanization and input distribution is a positive step toward increasing agricultural productivity and addressing food security challenges in Nigeria. Mechanization is critical for improving farming efficiency, reducing manual labor, and enhancing yields, particularly in smallholder farming communities. The provision of inputs like fertilizers and organic resources ensures that farmers can meet growing food demand while adhering to sustainable farming practices.
For agribusiness stakeholders, the government’s investment in mechanized equipment opens up opportunities for partnerships in the distribution, maintenance, and servicing of these tools. Additionally, the dry season farming initiative, supported by irrigation infrastructure, presents a chance to boost year-round food production, particularly in regions prone to seasonal farming limitations.
However, stakeholders must continue advocating for comprehensive solutions to lingering challenges such as insecurity and high food prices. Collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and international partners can help stabilize food prices by enhancing value chain efficiency, reducing post-harvest losses, and ensuring equitable distribution of food resources.
Moreover, the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development signals a more focused approach to resolving farmer-herder conflicts, which is crucial for ensuring livestock farming contributes positively to the economy without exacerbating insecurity issues.
