In a bid to find a lasting solution to food insecurity in the country, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has outlined plans to boost food security and agricultural production in collaboration with Sokoto and Niger states. The synergy aims to ramp up the production of cassava, rice, maize, and other grains, while ensuring the successful implementation of the 2023-2024 wet and dry season farming across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security said this in Abuja. He was receiving the governors of Sokoto State, Aliyu Sokoto, and Niger State, Umaru Bago. The minister said that the partnership aligned with President Bola Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda.
The collaboration is also in response to the pressing need to address food security emergency declaration, combat food inflation, foster job creation, alleviate poverty, and guarantee food and nutrition security nationwide.
Kyari commended the governors for their states agricultural achievements, stating the imperative of bolstering the number of extension agents across states and enhancing the capacity and welfare of existing ones to further drive agricultural development.
Kyari said that through continued collaboration and dedication, Nigeria will overcome current challenges and achieve collective goals for a more prosperous agricultural sector.
Aliyu Sokoto, Governor of Sokoto State highlighted the significance of the support and collaboration from the ministry to effectively address these challenges and fulfill President Bola Tinubus vision of providing comprehensive support to farmers nationwide.
While Umaru Bago, Governor of Niger State harped on the states immense agricultural potential, including 76,000 square kilometers of arable land and abundant water resources as he affirmed the states preparedness to harness these agricultural assets to advance the food security agenda.
Bago laid emphasis on Niger States strategic focus on various agricultural sectors, including crop cultivation, animal husbandry, and aquaculture as pivotal areas for agricultural development.
Bago unveiled the states ambitious plans to expand agricultural infrastructure, including the preparation of 250 hectares of land for cultivation, with over 100,000 hectares already primed for agricultural activities.
The Niger State governor reiterated the state governments commitment to leveraging agriculture as a catalyst for economic growth and prosperity and to lead in rice production and serve as a model for agricultural development in Nigeria.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PARTNERS STATES ON FOOD SECURITY
