News in brief:
– Niger State has surpassed Benue as Nigeria’s leading food producer, with 3 million hectares of arable land.
– Significant investments in infrastructure and modern farming aim to boost food security and support rural farmers.
Niger State has officially overtaken Benue State as Nigeria’s top food producer, according to Musa Bosso, the state’s agriculture commissioner. Speaking at the 2024 World Food Day celebration in Minna, Bosso praised the leadership of Governor Mohammed Bago for advancing Niger’s agricultural sector and positioning it as the country’s new food basket.
Governor Bago, represented by his deputy, Garba Yakubu, highlighted Niger’s ambitious agricultural initiatives, including the allocation of 3 million hectares of arable land for food production and significant investments in farming equipment. Bago emphasized the need for modern farming practices and partnerships to boost crop yields and enhance food security across Nigeria.
The Niger State government has made bold moves to expand agricultural production. With 3 million hectares of fertile land, 1,000 John Deere tractors, and plans for an Agro-processing free zone, the state is poised for rapid growth in agriculture. Key crops such as rice, maize, cassava, and sorghum will benefit from improved infrastructure and modern techniques, ensuring increased productivity.
Farmers in Niger and beyond stand to gain significantly from these developments. The introduction of modern farming equipment will improve efficiency, while the Agro-processing Free Zone will enable farmers to add value to their crops before sale. These changes are set to reduce hunger and boost the income of rural farmers, both locally and nationally.
The World Food Day theme, “Safer Foods and Better Health,” comes at a critical time. Governor Bago acknowledged the challenges posed by economic hardship, climate change, and insecurity, all of which have worsened food insecurity in Nigeria. Niger State’s new agricultural strategy aims to combat these issues by focusing on sustainability, modern farming techniques, and collaboration with international partners.
Niger’s rise as the nation’s leading food producer marks a turning point in Nigerian agriculture. With significant investment in infrastructure, equipment, and partnerships, it is now prepared to not only meet its own food needs but also contribute to national food security and export markets. The state’s agriculture sector is being transformed, offering farmers and investors numerous opportunities.
