Credible data and accurate geo-refrenced farmlands are crucial to the government’s support for farmers across the nation, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Abubakar Kyari has stressed.
The Minister stated this when he met with the governors of Kebbi and Ekiti States, Nasir Idris and Abiodun Oyebanji, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.
According to him, the move is to ensure that agro-inputs are directed to genuine, especially smallholder farmers who have the required hectarage suitable for cultivation.
“There is no doubt that the collective steps we are taking to boost food production, reduce food inflation, and more assuredly guarantee our national food security, are matters of urgent engagement that require increased inter-governmental interactions.
“In November of 2023, we flagged off the Wheat Dry Season Farming across 15 states that are in the wheat-producing belt of the country.
“As a reminder, the flag-off was intended to ensure that we rely less on rain-fed agricultural production during the wet season and instead have all-year round farming,” Kyari said.
The minister stated that taking advantage of both dry and wet season farming, in addition to expanding crop cultivation, will not only create more job opportunities but also contribute to reducing poverty, controlling food inflation and will also guarantee inclusivity which are goals highlighted in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He pointed out the notable achievements in Ekiti’s agriculture under Governor Oyebanji’s administration, especially the focus on land preparation to open up more cultivable land for the farming populace.
The Minister further noted that the federal government is willing to engage in a partnership with Ekiti State, recognizing the state’s commendable efforts in mobilizing farmers and utilizing available resources.
“The federal government is ready to collaborate and partner with Ekiti state in recognition of your efforts evident in the mobilisation of farmers and other resources available at the state level towards the Renewed Hope for Food Security Agenda of the federal government.”
