The federal government has been urged to bring back “Operation Feed the Nation,” an erstwhile agricultural policy of the military administration of then General Olusegun Obasanjo. The proponent of this move believes that this will in address the food insufficiency currently faced by Nigerians. While making the appea, an agriculturist, Mr. Tiltilayo Adebanjo disclosed that there would be abundance of food and market for food products, if states engage in various forms of agriculture in which they have considerable comparative advantage.
“It is logical that if every state in the country takes farming seriously and produces food to meet the needs of its citizens, it will significantly reduce the cost of food in the market.
“An increase in food supply will naturally lead to lower prices, making food more affordable for the average Nigerians,” he said.
The long term effect , according to Adebanjo, is that it will “enhance efficiency in food production and improve the quality of agricultural outputs.”
Adebanjo urged the government to create the needed enabling environment for farmers by providing incentives such as; access to land, low-interest loans, and modern farming equipment. He explained that these measures would motivate more individuals to venture into agriculture and increase productivity. The expert also called for the promotion of agricultural education and training programmes to equip farmers with modern techniques and knowledge.
Positing that a robust agricultural sector was fundamental to national development, Adebanjo also emphasised the need for all states in the country to embrace farming so as to become self-sufficient in food production. He added that this approach and intervention would not only enhance food security, but also contribute to stabilising food prices across the nation.
