The Federal Government has unveiled a strategic strategy to increase food security by having small-holder farmers produce 135 million metric tonnes of staple crops by the end of this year.
Ajuri Ngelale, the president’s spokesperson, announced this on Thursday as one of the Presidential Economic Coordination Council’s (PECC) efforts.
President Bola Tinubu established the Peer Economic Advisory Council (PECC) as a group to restructure the nation’s economy.
The president, the 36 state governors, legislators, and representatives of the organized private sector are among the team members.
As per the actions announced by the council, the government’s primary goal is ensuring food security.
Thus, increasing staple crops from 127 million MT in 2023 to 134 million MT in 2024 is part of the goal.
To increase local production, the strategies also involve collaborating with large-scale commercial farmers.
The council also hopes to assist eligible farmers by providing them with, among other things, satellite imagery of land use planning.
The PECC’s statements
The following is stated in the State House’s declaration on agricultural production:
“Agriculture and Food Security:
“The objective of this plan is to:
“Upgrade small-holder farmers’ staple crop production from 127 million MT in 2023 to 135 million MT this year;
“Increase production by collaborating with large-scale commercial farms.
“Provide satellite imagery to qualified farmers for crop rotation, land use planning, and monitoring agricultural expansion.”
Things to note
With food inflation at 40.5%, Nigeria is currently experiencing a crisis in food security as households all around the nation struggle to support their families.
In addition, the cost of basic consumables, particularly grains, has increased by more than 100% in the last year.
Households across the country are being severely burdened by the sharp increase in food prices, which is making an already unstable economy more difficult.
Estimates suggest that by August, almost 31 million Nigerians may experience severe food shortages; therefore, the situation necessitates immediate attention and targeted actions.
The federal government recently declared its intention to acquire food supplies valued at N155 billion to be given nationwide and to share N50,000 to 100,000 households among the 36 states of the nation for three months.
This was revealed by President Tinubu at the most recent National Economic Council (NEC) when he unveiled housing, development, and other initiatives to help Nigerians.
The president also urged state governors to work towards addressing their states’ requirements for food security.
