FG invests N200bn in food production to boost security - Kyari

Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, says the Federal Government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), has invested over N200 billion in interventions to support farmers across the Country.

The Minister made this revelation during a courtesy visit by a Gambian delegation led by Dembal Sabally, the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security in Abuja recently.

Kyari commended the Government of Gambia for seeking to partner Nigeria to improve food production and economic growth.

He noted that Nigeria’s journey to food sufficiency had been challenging, but the current administration had made significant strides.

The Minister highlighted the Government’s efforts in boosting agricultural productivity, including “The distribution of 2.15 million bags of free fertilizers to farmers”, emphasising the importance of mechanisation in agriculture to make it more attractive to youths.

Nigeria’s progress in wheat production was also noted, with the country now producing 500 metric tons of wheat up from importing seeds in 2023.

The Minister attributed this success to the development of local wheat varieties through research institutes and agencies under the Ministry.

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However, Kyari acknowledged the challenges of rice production in Nigeria, including affordability and availability.

He stressed the benefits of the out-grower scheme, which provides small-scale farmers with access to financing and had turned agriculture around.

Sabally, Gambian Minister, expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s support and shared Gambia’s struggles with rice insufficiency, importing over 80% of its rice.

He noted that his team had visited Kebbi State to understudy Nigeria’s rice cultivation processes and intended to replicate the same in Gambia.

Sabally sought collaboration with Nigeria, particularly in replicating the out-grower scheme and rice production processes. He requested a Rice Ambassador to accompany them to replicate what they have learned, enabling Gambia to achieve rice self-sufficiency.

Ruth Tene Natsa

Ruth Tene, Assistant Editor, Agric/Solid Minerals/INEC Ruth Tene is an award-winning journalist with over 15 years experience in developmental reporting across several newsrooms, as a reporter, editor and other managerial roles. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Maiduguri among several other certifications She has attended several trainings and certifications both locally and internationally and has been recognized for her impactful work in humanitarian reporting, receiving the Gold Award for Humanitarian Services from the Amazing Grace Foundation. She is also a recipient of the Home Alliance Fellowship, reflecting her commitment to fostering a more humane, safer and more sustainable planet. An active member of professional journalism bodies, Ruth is affiliated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and the Agricultural Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ACAN), where she continues to advocate for excellence, ethical reporting, and development-focused journalism.