FG Partners with Agro Input Dealers To Combat Food Insecurity, Inflation

News in brief:
– Nigeria’s federal government has partnered with the association of agro input dealers to address food insecurity and rising food inflation by ensuring the distribution of safe agricultural inputs.
– Agriculture Minister Senator Abubakar Kyari emphasised ongoing programs to boost food production and urged the association to sell certified products, prevent adulteration, and support responsible farming practices.

The federal government of Nigeria has extended a hand of collaboration to the Nigerian Agro Input Dealers Association (NAIDA) to combat food insecurity and rising food inflation.

This partnership aims to leverage the association’s extensive network and expertise to ensure the distribution of safe, high-quality agricultural inputs to empower farmers and boost food production nationwide.

The call for collaboration came during a recent courtesy visit by NAIDA President, Alhaji Kabir Fara, and his team to the office of Agriculture and Food Security Minister Senator Abubakar Kyari in Abuja. The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation confirmed this initiative through a statement on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle.

Kyari reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling food insecurity and driving down food inflation. He outlined a range of ongoing programs to increase food production throughout 2024, emphasising their potential to positively impact Nigerians’ lives.

Additionally, the minister urged NAIDA members to sell only certified and approved products sourced from registered producers, implement measures to prevent the adulteration of products across the country and to act as responsible representatives of government by adhering to regulations and best practices.

Furthermore, he encouraged farmers to utilise agricultural inputs effectively, following recommended agronomic practices to maximise productivity.

NAIDA President Fara expressed the association’s commitment to supporting the government’s efforts. He highlighted NAIDA’s role as an umbrella organisation representing agro-input distributors nationwide, encompassing fertilisers, seeds, equipment, and more. He mentioned the association’s dedication to educating farmers about purchasing inputs from authorised sources and upholding ethical business practices.

Furthermore, Fara acknowledged the challenge of product adulteration, particularly when input costs are high. He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts and emphasised NAIDA’s role in assisting the ministry to curb illicit practices. He mentioned the implementation of sales permits as a means to hold distributors accountable and encourage compliance.

Additionally, the minister revealed the deployment of foot soldiers in each state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) who will collaborate with local authorities to monitor compliance and ensure the effectiveness of the partnership with NAIDA.