News in brief:
â Nigeria has introduced a strategy prioritising smallholders and farmers with adequate land for agricultural support programs that aims to end the influence of portfolio farmers, using accurate data to direct resources to genuine farmers and combat issues like round-tripping.
â During discussions with Ekiti and Kebbi state governors, the countryâs agriculture minister commended their proactive approach to address challenges and enhance food security.
The federal government of Nigeria has unveiled a new strategy to ensure that agricultural support programs reach genuine farmers by prioritising smallholders and those with the land capacity to benefit.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, emphasised the crucial role of accurate data and geo-referenced farmlands in this initiative.
Emphatically, Kyari declared that the days when genuine farmers would be at the mercy of portfolio farmers are over. He said that with the availability of credible farmersâ data and farm location details, the ministry will be able to direct agro-inputs to those who truly need them.
Meantime, this shift aims to tackle the issue of âround-tripping,â where intermediaries divert resources intended for actual cultivators. By targeting support based on verified data, the government hopes to maximize its impact and empower the agricultural sector.
In detail, Kyari outlined this policy during separate meetings with the Governors of Ekiti and Kebbi states. He reiterated the governmentâs commitment to bolstering food production, reducing inflation, and achieving national self-sufficiency through various initiatives.
Furthermore, the agriculture minister commended Ekiti State for its remarkable achievements in agriculture. He said this was particularly in land preparation and youth engagement through the Ekiti State Youth in Agriculture Programme. He pledged federal support to further these efforts and contribute to the national food security goals.
In the same vein, Governor Abiodun Oyebanji responded positively. He acknowledged the issue of round-tripping and praised the governmentâs proactive approach. The governor requested assistance with tractor provision to expedite the stateâs mechanization drive.
Also, similar discussions took place with Kebbi State Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris.
Kyari recognised the stateâs efforts in land preparation, irrigation, and provision of additional inputs to farmers. Idris, in turn, affirmed Kebbiâs potential to feed the nation. He highlighted the stateâs dedication to agriculture with â¦2.8 billion worth of free fertiliser distributed to farmers and â¦5 billion committed to the sector.
