Food production: Govt should fund agric – Eradiri

As food prices continue to strain Nigerians, Dr. Ebiekure Eradiri, President of the All Africa Association for Small and Medium Enterprises (AAASME), emphasized the need for government-owned farms across various value chains and robust funding for agriculture. He urged the government to be proactive, suggesting each household should have a farm to ensure food sufficiency. He also stressed the importance of proper storage to prevent spoilage and wastage. Eradiri highlighted the need for a structured approach to finance SMEs, ensuring off-taker markets are established to prevent fund diversion and improve productivity, citing successful examples from other African countries.   Source: Vanguard

Our Review
The call by Dr. Ebiekure Eradiri for governments at all levels in Nigeria to own farms and aggressively fund agriculture is a critical intervention in addressing the current food crisis. By taking a direct role in food production and ensuring proper storage facilities, the government can stabilize food supply, reduce prices, and mitigate the risks of spoilage, which has been a major challenge for Nigerian farmers.
For the entire agricultural value chain, this approach could lead to more consistent and predictable outputs, thereby improving market stability. Moreover, the emphasis on structured financing and the development of off-taker markets is essential for the sustainability of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in agriculture. With a clear structure and guaranteed markets, SMEs can focus on productivity without the fear of financial diversion or market saturation.
This strategy not only fosters growth within the sector but also empowers SMEs to meet international standards, enhancing their competitiveness in the global market. By integrating these measures, Nigeria can move towards food sufficiency and economic resilience.