…TARGETS PRODUCTION OF 500,000 HECTARES OF MAIZE, RICE, OTHERS
The African Development Bank (AfDB) is supporting the cultivation of rice, maize, cassava and soya beans with $134m in Nigeria.
The President of the bank, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, during a visit to the Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA) at Bayero University, Kano recently said the support was to enable farmers to adapt to climate change and the cultivation of dry land crops that are resilient and tolerant.
According to him, AfDB is supporting Nigeria in cultivating 118,000 hectares of heat-tolerant varieties of wheat and another 150,000 hectares of maize, 150,000 hectares of cassava and 50,000 hectares of soybeans during the 2024 planting season.
However, he noted that the banks’ immediate target is the cultivation of 118,000 hectares of heat-tolerant varieties of wheat and another 150,000 hectares of maize in March 2024.
Adesina, who was formerly a minister of agriculture in Nigeria, also emphasised the significance of providing timely and relevant information to farmers, especially in the face of climate change challenges, while underscoring the banks commitment to fostering technological advancements in agriculture.
We will collaborate with the Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA) to enhance its capabilities in weather prediction and data collection, thus empowering farmers to plan effectively, Adesina assured.
The support by the financial institution is part of efforts to combat the ongoing food insecurity in the country, which has provoked unwholesome reactions resulting in attacks on food reserves and warehouses of private food entrepreneurs.
