By Abdulkareem Haruna

ABUJA, NIGERIA – In a recent press briefing, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, detailed the government’s ambitious plans to transform the country’s agricultural sector and enhance food security. 

The strategies are part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aiming to uplift the agricultural sector over the next four years.

“The most pressing actions we are currently handling is preparation for the next dry-season farming beginning from November 2023,” the Minister said. 

He outlined immediate priority actions, including the certification of planting materials for food security crops, aggressive promotion of dry season farming, and the implementation of the dry season Wheat production under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro Pocket projects.

Kyari also mentioned plans for the National Agriculture and Food Security Summit, set to take place in November 2023, and a review of the mechanisms for delivering fertilizers and agro pesticides to farmers. A massive investment in animal feed-crop, fodder, and pasture production is planned to mitigate farmers and herders clashes.

The Minister emphasized the need for institutional reforms, innovative communication, and stakeholder engagement strategies to ensure continuous interface among all the critical stakeholders.

In the short term, the government is planning to fast-track operations of the National Agricultural Development Fund and develop a National Framework to align ongoing and future development partners’ projects with national priorities. A significant part of the strategy is the strengthening of agricultural infrastructure and the promotion of technology-enabled urban agriculture.

“It is very important to note the directives of Mr. President when he declared the national state of emergency on food security,” Kyari stated, referring to the President’s call for urgent synergy between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Water Resources to ensure year-round food production.

The plans also include a comprehensive review of all existing agricultural laws and legislation to fast-track necessary amendments and enactments to support farmers’ welfare and private sector participation in agriculture and food security.

Senator Abubakar Kyari’s announcement signifies a significant step forward for Nigeria’s agriculture sector, offering a comprehensive and sustainable approach to tackle the nation’s food security challenges.