The Nigerian government has officially started the 2023/2024 national dry season farming to address food insecurity across the country.
In Kadume, Hadejia Local Council, Jigawa State, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, and Minister of State, Sen. (Dr) Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, launched the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP) project.
This project, funded through a $134 million loan from the African Development Bank, spans the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
It introduces the NAGS-AP, an ICT-based farm inputs delivery mechanism aiming for transparency, accountability, and impact assessment.
The initiative comprises four components: agricultural sector reforms, improved delivery of farm inputs and extension services, support for wheat production, and increased private sector involvement in agricultural inputs production.
Due to global disruptions from the Russia-Ukraine War, particularly affecting grain supplies, and security challenges in farming regions, this project assumes significance.
The approach considers factors like displacement of farmers by terrorists, destruction of farms, and inadequate extension services, leading to lower productivity.
The NAGS-AP project targets increased food production to curb rising agricultural commodity prices and ensure affordability for Nigerians, addressing the food inflation rate exceeding 120%.
President Tinubu declared a food security state of emergency in July 2023, highlighting the urgency.
The key objective is to boost the production of staples like wheat, rice, maize, sorghum, soybeans, and cassava.
The project aims to support registered small-scale farmers with essential inputs for both wet and dry season farming, intending to increase crop yield by at least 20% compared to the previous year.
Focusing on staples like rice, maize, cassava, wheat, soybeans, and sorghum, the project aims to support 150,000 to 250,000 wheat farmers with a 50% input subsidy. Overall, around one million farmers will receive support, contributing to agricultural self-sufficiency and economic growth.
The first-line beneficiaries, engaged in grain production, will receive support to cultivate approximately 100,000 hectares for wheat, adding to the food reserve and reducing dependence on imports.
Additionally, subsidized inputs will be provided for rice, maize, and cassava cultivation in areas with functional irrigation facilities.
In a collaborative effort between the government and the private sector, Flour Mills of Nigeria facilitated the importation of certified wheat seeds from Mexico, ensuring a sufficient seed supply for planting.
The project also establishes links between farmers and produce users, guaranteeing a market for their produce.
In essence, the 2023/2024 dry season farming project reflects the Tinubu Administration’s commitment to empowering Nigerian farmers, promoting staple crop cultivation, and addressing food and nutrition security challenges in the country.
