News in brief:
-Â The Nigerian government has warned farmers against selling or diverting subsidised inputs for the 2023 dry season wheat program.
Agriculture Minister Kyari mentioned monitoring mechanisms being put in place to prevent misuse and ensure the success of the agricultural initiative.
The federal government of Nigeria has issued a stern warning to farmers against selling or diverting subsidised inputs provided for the 2023 dry season wheat production program.
Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, made the announcement during the official launch of the wheat farming program in Jigawa State.
Kyari also highlighted the $134 million loan facility secured from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to support the initiative and the significance of dry season farming within the National Agricultural Growth Scheme (NAGS-AP) Project
The minister stated that the present administration is determined to expand the capacity of farmers and engage them in the cultivation of key staples like rice, maize, cassava and wheat, across the country.
Furthermore, the Minister had announced a 50% subsidy on inputs for farmers, as a means to alleviate food inflation and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on foreign imports. He urged farmers to utilise the support effectively.
He also revealed that monitoring mechanisms have been put in place to track events from planting up to the time of harvest, which was imperative to see the farmers working in the field, as against reselling the inputs.
Additionally, Kyari directed the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies to closely monitor the distribution process as a means to prevent the diversion of inputs.
The federal government’s initiative aims to boost agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and empower farmers across Nigeria. With this provision and the monitoring process, the government hopes to ensure that the program benefits the intended beneficiaries, while contributing to the nation’s agricultural growth.
