Nigeria’s Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, recently revealed that the government has cultivated 118,000 hectares of wheat across 11 states to combat food scarcity. This effort is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to ensure food security and economic growth.
The Minister emphasized that Nigeria is not at risk of food scarcity, thanks to interventions like the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and the Agro Pocket Project. He also highlighted the importance of enhancing farmers’ productivity through mechanization and announced four mechanization programs in the works.
To further bolster self-sufficiency in food production and empower Nigerian households, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has introduced the National Urban Agricultural Programme (NUAP), scheduled to take off in 2025. This initiative aims to promote urban agriculture and improve food availability in urban areas.
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In addition to these efforts, the government has approved several initiatives to strengthen the agricultural sector. The establishment of Agricultural Technology Adoption Centres is one such initiative, aimed at promoting the adoption of new agricultural technologies and improving farmers’ productivity. These centres will provide training and support to farmers, enabling them to adopt innovative farming practices and increase their yields.
Another key initiative is the implementation of the Tomato Policy, which aims to promote sustainable economic growth in the tomato sub-sector. This policy will provide support to tomato farmers, processors, and marketers, enabling them to increase their production and competitiveness in the market.
Furthermore, the government has developed a Compendium for Agro-Base Equipment Manufacturers, which will promote the development of agro-based equipment and improve agricultural productivity. This compendium will provide a comprehensive guide to manufacturers, enabling them to produce equipment that meets the needs of Nigerian farmers.
Lastly, the government is promoting organic agriculture to promote healthy food and nutritional security. This initiative will encourage farmers to adopt organic farming practices, reducing the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. This will not only improve the health of Nigerian citizens but also promote sustainable agricultural practices.
These initiatives demonstrate the government’s commitment to ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria. By supporting farmers, promoting innovation, and encouraging sustainable practices, the government is working towards a future where Nigeria is self-sufficient in food production and able to feed its growing population.
