FG to support 400,000 farmers for dry season

The Federal Government of Nigeria is ramping up efforts to enhance food security through strategic initiatives, including the second phase of support for dry season rice farming. Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, announced plans to aid 400,000 farmers in cultivating 200,000 hectares during the upcoming dry season. This nationwide project spans the country’s 36 states and the FCT, with implementation tailored to regional irrigation capacities and seasonal timing.

In southern regions and the north-central zone, operations will commence by late January and early February, leveraging earlier rains. Meanwhile, northern regions will begin activities by February. Beyond rice farming, the government is reinforcing its mechanization agenda.

Since October 2024, 2,000 tractors procured from Belarus have begun arriving in Nigeria, with some units designated for assembly in Abuja. A separate deal for 2,000 John Deere tractors worth $70 million, through the Nigeria Agricultural Development Fund, has been signed, marking significant progress in equipping farmers for enhanced productivity.
Source: DailyTrust

Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The Federal Government’s initiative highlights a commendable commitment to agricultural productivity and food security. Dry season farming, which maximizes irrigated areas, aligns with global best practices for sustainable farming. It is particularly timely given Nigeria’s growing population and the need to reduce reliance on imported staples like rice.

Additionally, the mechanization efforts, including partnerships for tractor procurement, demonstrate forward-thinking strategies to modernize Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. However, to ensure success, the following factors must be addressed:

1. Efficient Distribution of Resources: Timely and equitable distribution of tractors and irrigation infrastructure to all clusters is essential. Transparent mechanisms must be in place to prevent bottlenecks.
2. Farmer Training and Capacity Building: Many farmers lack the technical know-how to fully utilize mechanized equipment and irrigation systems. Comprehensive training programs must be incorporated into these initiatives.
3. Inclusive Policy Implementation: Smallholder farmers, who form the majority of Nigeria’s agricultural workforce, must not be left out of these interventions. Subsidies and micro-financing options could be leveraged to encourage their participation.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular progress assessments should be conducted to identify challenges and recalibrate strategies. This ensures the initiative remains on track toward achieving food security goals.

Recommendations

1. Promote Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Collaborating with private agritech firms can expedite the deployment and maintenance of tractors and irrigation systems.
2. Expand Local Assembly: Beyond assembling tractors in Abuja, consider establishing assembly plants closer to farming hubs to reduce logistical costs.
3. Integrate Digital Solutions: Incorporate digital platforms for farmer registration, equipment allocation, and progress tracking to ensure transparency and efficiency.
4. Focus on Sustainability: Encourage water-efficient irrigation practices and adopt eco-friendly tractor technology to mitigate environmental impacts.

By addressing these aspects, stakeholders across the agri-food value chain can effectively capitalize on this initiative to boost productivity and contribute to national food security.