FG encourages states to furnish reliable data on farmers

The Federal Government has called on states participating in the second phase of Dry/Wet Season Farming, focusing on rice, maize, and cassava cultivation, to provide credible farmers’ data and accurate information about farmlands. 

Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, emphasized the importance of such data to ensure targeted distribution of agro-inputs, avoiding exploitation by portfolio farmers.

He mentioned an ongoing review of the 2023/2024 Wheat Dry Season Farming under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP) project.

In November 2023, the Federal Government initiated Wheat Dry Season Farming across 15 wheat-producing states, aiming to reduce reliance on rain-fed agriculture and promote year-round farming.

The states involved include Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.

Minister Kyari highlighted the potential to boost crop volumes, create jobs, alleviate poverty, curb food inflation, and enhance inclusivity in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Kyari stressed the urgency of inter-governmental cooperation to address food production challenges, reduce inflation, and ensure national food security.

He expressed optimism about Kebbi State’s readiness to benefit from the upcoming second phase of Dry/Wet Season Farming, noting that over two-thirds of the state’s local government areas are suitable for rice cultivation.

Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, acknowledging the state’s agricultural potential, shared that the government had purchased N2.8 billion worth of fertilizer last year, distributed free to farmers.

He reported a successful harvest and the purchase of 300 trucks of assorted grains to support farmers.

As part of efforts to enhance dry season farming, Governor Idris mentioned the acquisition of 6,000 solar pumps worth N5 billion, which will be distributed to farmers free of charge next week. Seeking collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, he emphasized the pivotal role of addressing food security for societal progress.