The National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS) on Friday presented the 2020 wet season Agricultural Performance Survey (APSR) to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD).
The field survey conducted between Aug. 23 to August 30, was drafted by NAERLS, in collaboration with other agricultural institutions.
The Executive Director, NAERLS, Prof Mohammed Othman, made the public presentation at the ministry in Abuja.
The Survey was received by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Muhammad Nanono.
Speaking at the presentation, Nanono said the report was timely and very important, thereby urging farmers to intensify efforts in order to succeed in the dry season.
He noted that there were increases in the production of rice and maize, saying that the Federal Government is doing whatever it could to support farmers with seedlings to mitigate the effect of flooding.
Nanono said that the Federal Government had provided access for farmers to move agricultural inputs during the pandemic.
Contributing, the Vice- Chancellor of of Ahmadu Bello University, (ABU), Prof. Kabir Bala, congratulated the ministry of Agriculture for the successful conduct of the Survey.
He noted that the University is well known for agricultural activities, adding that the institution is ready to take in more challenges.
The report shows that generally, there was less rainfall as at August than same period in 2019.
The survey shows that dry spell occurred in South West, South East and North Central zones between July and August, as well as occurrences of flood in some parts of the country.
The survey recommended investment in climate-smart agriculture, and development of strategy to strengthen agricultural extension activities.
It recommended building lasting and sustainable grass-root extension delivery institutions, at a Federal and state government levels.
The study recommended evolving a definitive action plan on stemming insecurity as well as enhancing productivity through an effective input subsidisation blueprint.
It further recommended increasing support to the National Farmers Helpline as an e-Extension strategy to boost advisory delivery.
The study recommended setting up of an Agricultural Trust Fund to cater for farming activities, especially in periods of emergency.
