News in brief:
– Nigeria received a $82 million loan from Japan to enhance rice production, seed systems, and farm input delivery.
– The initiative empowers smallholder farmers through SHEP and strengthens food security nationwide.
In a bid to tackle rising food insecurity and boost agricultural resilience, the Federal Government of Nigeria has secured a ¥ $12 billion emergency loan (approximately $82 million or ₦ $96 billion) from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The loan will support key agricultural initiatives under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP).
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, described the support as a significant step toward creating a more sustainable and food-secure Nigeria.
“With this funding, we can create a sustainable and resilient agricultural system that ensures food security for all Nigerians,” Kyari said.
Improving rice seed quality and climate resilience
A major focus of the loan is on enhancing rice seed production and quality. The initiative will invest in developing high-yield, disease-resistant rice varieties that can withstand climate variability. These efforts will be coordinated through the National Cereal Research Institute (NCRI) in Badeggi, Niger State.
Additionally, the loan will facilitate quality farm inputs, strengthen extension services, and encourage the use of digital tools to provide farmers with timely updates on weather patterns, market prices, and pest outbreaks.
Smallholder farmers to benefit from SHEP initiative in 14 states
Speaking on the broader impact of the partnership, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abdullahi Sabi Abdullahi, emphasised the importance of seeds in achieving food security.
“Planting the right seed can feed the entire nation. Seed is key to solving our food security problems,” he said.
He noted that smallholder farmers would benefit significantly through the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) project, which is already active in 14 Nigerian states. The initiative connects research with practice and equips farmers with practical skills to improve productivity and income.
Japan’s continued support for African agriculture
Leading the Japanese delegation, JICA Director General Takao Shimokawa reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting agricultural development in Africa.
“JICA and Japan are fully committed to rice production in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, which is the largest producer of rice on the continent,” Shimokawa stated.
The agreement underscores a growing partnership between Japan and Nigeria focused on sustainable agriculture, technology adoption, and rural development.
