News in brief:
– The Nigerian federal government plans to boost grain production to 31 million metric tonnes by 2024, aiming to combat food inflation, create jobs, and reduce poverty.
-Â It hishort-term measures like providing agricultural inputs, intermediate plans for infrastructure development, and long-term strategies focusing on research and development.
The federal government of Nigeria has announced plans to support farmers and increase grain production output to 31 million metric tonnes (MT) in 2024.
This initiative, aimed at combating food inflation, creating jobs, and reducing poverty, was unveiled by Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, November 29, the minister emphasised the significance of this target, stating that Nigeria’s seed requirement for five major crops â rice, maize, wheat, soybeans, and sorghum â in 2024 is 312,555.69 MT, which is expected to yield about 31 million MT of grains.
Senator Abdullahi further outlined a series of critical pathways designed to address food security challenges in Nigeria. He categorised them into short-term, intermediate, and long-term action plans.
The short-term plan prioritises the immediate provision of agricultural inputs, such as fertilisers and seeds, to farmers, as well as ensuring timely access to credit facilities. The intermediate plan focuses on infrastructure development, including the rehabilitation of rural roads and storage facilities, and improving access to markets. The long-term plan emphasises research and development, particularly in areas like crop diversification and climate-smart agriculture.
Overall, this comprehensive approach demonstrates the government’s commitment to tackling food insecurity and achieving sustainable agricultural growth. By supporting farmers and increasing domestic production, the government aims to stabilise food prices, generate employment opportunities, and empower rural communities.
If implemented effectively, the 31 million MT grain production target has the potential to significantly improve food security and contribute to overall economic development in Nigeria.
