News in brief:
-Â Minister of agriculture revealed that Nigeria agricultural intervention program’s database is corrupt and politicised, including names of non-farming politicians, hindering resource distribution.
– To address this issue, he announced the government’s plan to leverage smart agriculture technologies, aiming to attract youth to the sector and ensure long-term sustainability.
The minister of agriculture and food security, Abubakar Kyari, has made a shocking revelation about the state of Nigeria’s agricultural intervention programs.
During a budget defense session with the National Assembly, Kyari stated that the database of farmers benefiting from these programs is corrupt and politicised.
Kyari further explained that the existing database includes names of politicians who are not even farmers. He emphasised the detrimental impact this has on the agricultural sector. Without a clean and accurate database, it is impossible to ensure that resources and interventions reach the intended beneficiaries.
Kyari shared a personal anecdote to illustrate the extent of the problem. He described receiving a text message from a political boss who had never farmed, informing him that he was eligible to receive fertiliser. This incident, he opines, clearly demonstrates the corruption and politicization within the system.
However, in response to this alarming issue, Kyari outlined several steps the government plans to take. He said there was a need for collaboration between the federal government, National Assembly, and state assemblies to review and reform the farmers’ database.
Furthermore, Kyari announced the government’s intention to transform the agricultural sector through the adoption of smart agriculture technologies. He believes that digital platforms and other technological solutions are crucial to attracting the youth back to the agricultural sector and ensuring long-term sustainability.
The minister further pledged to work with relevant authorities, including security agencies, to address this issue and safeguard Nigeria’s food security.
Meantime, the Joint National Assembly Committee on Agriculture, chaired by Senator Saliu Mustapha, expressed support for the government’s efforts to address these challenges. He commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising agricultural development in the 2024 budget and assured the committee’s commitment to supporting the sector’s growth and sustainability.
