The Federal Government has announced its commitment to producing 31 million metric tonnes of grains in 2024 to address issues of food inflation, generate employment opportunities, and alleviate poverty.
This disclosure was made by Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, in an official statement released by the ministry in Abuja.
According to Senator Abdullahi, the projected grain production is expected to meet Nigeria’s seed requirements for five major crops, including rice, maize, wheat, soybeans, and sorghum.
He emphasized that this initiative is a strategic measure to combat food inflation and achieve significant economic and social benefits.
The minister further outlined the ministry’s comprehensive plan to tackle food security challenges in Nigeria.
“These plans are categorized into short-term, intermediate, and long-term actions. ”
One of the immediate priorities highlighted by Senator Abdullahi is the certification of available planting materials for key food security crops during the dry season farming of 2023/2024, which recently commenced in Jigawa State.
In addition to this, the ministry is actively working on wheat production, aiming to cover over 70,000 hectares with support from the Africa Development Bank, the National Agricultural Growth Scheme, and the AgroPocket Scheme project.
Farmers are being provided with quality seeds for rice, maize, and soybeans, along with other inputs at subsidized rates to enhance their productivity.
Addressing the ongoing farmers and herders clashes, the ministry is implementing short-term interventions such as the development of pasture seeds, establishment of fodder and foliage estates, and the creation of gene bank facilities.
These initiatives are designed to contribute to sustainable agricultural practices, reduce conflicts, and promote harmony between farming and herding communities.
Senator Abdullahi assured that the ministry is committed to executing these plans effectively, providing a roadmap for achieving food security, economic growth, and social stability in the country.
