News in brief:
-Â The Nigerian government issues a call for citizens to tap into the country’s vast arable lands, citing an estimated 50 million hectares of uncultivated land as an opportunity to enhance food security and prosperity.
– Senator Aliyu Sabi, Minister of State for Agriculture, emphasizes the multifaceted benefits of farming, linking it to poverty reduction, and crime prevention.
The federal government has issued a clarion call to Nigerians to explore the vast expanse of arable lands across the country and embrace farming. The call comes amidst growing concerns over food security and the need to harness Nigeria’s agricultural potential.
Senator Aliyu Sabi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, revealed that Nigeria boasts an estimated 50 million hectares of uncultivated arable land, significantly more than the 34 million hectares currently under cultivation.
He emphasised the multifaceted benefits derived when citizens embrace farming, including poverty reduction, crime prevention, and overall national prosperity.
Senator Sabi reminded the press that food security is the most critical aspect of President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point agenda. He opined that when people’s stomachs are full, they are less likely to engage in corruption or crime.
Thus, the government is urging Nigerians to adopt a culture of planting crops on any available piece of land, regardless of their primary occupation, to address the issue of food security. This approach, combined with government initiatives to cultivate a substantial portion of the uncultivated land, holds immense promise for transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
Furthermore, Senator Sabi underscored the government’s commitment to supporting farmers through various initiatives, including access to improved seeds, fertilisers, and financial resources. He also acknowledged the need for infrastructure development, such as irrigation systems and storage facilities, to enhance agricultural productivity.
The government’s call to action highlights the urgent need to tap into Nigeria’s agricultural potential to ensure food security and drive economic growth.
