The Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase One (ATASP-1) has announced that the Federal Government plans to mop up excess food currently in circulation across the country.
ATASP-1, an initiative of the Federal Government funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), aims to enhance agricultural productivity and value-chain development nationwide.
Dr. Romanus Egba, Zonal Programme Coordinator of ATASP-1, Adani-Omor Zone, disclosed this to reporters in Enugu on Tuesday, assuring that there was no cause for alarm over possible post-harvest losses.
Egba explained that the Federal Government maintains strategic food reserves and has begun purchasing surplus produce from farmers for storage and future release during periods of scarcity.
He attributed the recent drop in food prices to several factors.
According to him, “After the 2023 food crisis, many people went into food production in 2024, which led to a substantial increase in the quantity of food available in the market this year compared to previous years.
“Secondly, the Federal Government’s decision to reopen the borders and allow imported foodstuffs to compete with locally produced ones also contributed significantly to the fall in food prices.
“The consequence now is that many farmers are adversely affected by this development, as they can no longer recover their production costs.”
On insecurity in agricultural production areas in Enugu State, Egba commended the state government for its efforts in addressing the challenge.
He said, “In Adani, where ATASP-1 last year completed the rehabilitation of the Ada Rice Irrigation System to pave the way for dry-season rice farming—which could not hold then because of security challenges—the state government has deployed Navy personnel to flashpoints within the irrigation area, allowing farmers to return to their farms.
“Local vigilante groups are also collaborating with the military to strengthen security in the area.
“ATASP-1 was able to complete its projects due to our excellent working relationship with these security operatives, especially the local vigilante groups,” he added.
