The Federal Government has invested over ₦200 billion in the agricultural sector as part of its efforts to boost food production and ensure national food security.
Minister of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, in a statement released yesterday said: ”the Ministry has invested over ₦200bn in terms of intervention and has also given out free of charge two million, one hundred and fifty thousand naira fertilisers to support farmers across the country”.
Kyari also revealed that the ministry distributed fertilisers worth over ₦2.15m free of charge to farmers nationwide to support cultivation and improve yields.
The Minister continued by commending the Government of The Gambia for seeking a partnership with Nigeria aimed at improving food production and economic growth.
He also added that the journey towards food sufficiency in Nigeria has not been easy but noted significant progress made with the support of development partners such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation and the World Bank.
“It has been a tough journey for the present government to arrive at being food sufficient and has opted for the game in terms of production through development partners like FAO, World Bank among others to increase production”, Kyari stated.
Highlighting Nigeria’s push towards mechanised agriculture, Kyari stressed the importance of attracting youth into the sector.
“We have a huge capacity within our youths, but because of the laborious nature involved, it scares away our youths,” he said, referring to the laborious nature of traditional farming methods.
The minister also celebrated advancements in rice and wheat cultivation, pointing to successful research outcomes.
While acknowledging the continued challenges in the rice sector, particularly with affordability and availability, Kyari identified the outgrower scheme as a major tool for empowering small-scale farmers
During the courtesy visit of the Gambian delegation, led by the Gambian Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security, Dembal Sabally stated that his delegation had visited Kebbi State to observe Nigeria’s rice cultivation and irrigation methods, and plans to replicate the model in The Gambia.
Sabally expressed appreciation for the warm reception and acknowledged Nigeria’s agricultural progress.
“Nigeria has overcome rice insufficiency, of which Gambia is still struggling to achieve self-sufficiency in rice production”, he said, noting that Gambia currently imports over 80 percent of its rice, which severely impacts the country’s economy.
He also called for support in the form of a Rice Ambassador to help replicate the Nigerian experience in The Gambia to boost rice self-sufficiency.
