The Federal Government has endorsed a 50% reduction in the cost of agricultural inputs in preparation for the commencement of dry season farming starting from November 25, 2023.
This announcement came through a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, which indicated that the Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, will lead the launch ceremony in Jigawa State.
The event aims not only to kick-start dry season farming but also to facilitate the distribution of vital resources like seedlings, herbicides, pesticides, and more. This initiative spans across the nation, encompassing all 36 states along with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), highlighting the Governments dedication to supporting farmers by subsidizing crucial agricultural inputs by half.
The statement said, The Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, will lead several other dignitaries to Hadeja, Jigawa State, where the ceremony will take place. A range of agricultural inputs, including seeds, fertiliser, herbicides, and pesticides, will be delivered to farmers at the occasion. The Federal Government is subsidising the agricultural inputs by 50 percent.
Nigerias current food inflation is currently at 31.5 percent, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, (NBS).
The statement noted that the dry season farming initiative is receiving substantial support from the African Development Bank (AfDB), through the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket project.
Notably, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security disclosed that the NAGS-AP project would leverage digital technology. The ministry has already geo-located and registered over 250,000 farmers, emphasising an ICT-driven implementation approach.
