In response to the pressing need for enhanced food security, the Nigerian government is taking decisive steps to ensure a continuous supply of food throughout the year.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a critical directive calling for urgent collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Water Resources, emphasizing the necessity of adequate irrigation to support farmlands and guarantee year-round food production.
During the Ministerial Press Briefing on Monday to commemorate World Food Day, the Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, highlighted the importance of this directive and its alignment with the theme for this year’s World Food Day in Nigeria.
A comprehensive roadmap has been meticulously planned in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.
This plan aims to optimize the utilization of water resources available in key producing areas, including River Basins, Dams, and other wetlands, for multiple cropping cycles.
“This renewed synergy and cooperation between our two Ministries has started yielding results as assessment and operational appraisal visits to the River Basin Development Authorities as begun in earnest and would be deployed for the 2023/2024 Dry Season Farming of the Federal Government in conjunction with States and Local Government”.
“This will begin with priority crops including Wheat, Rice, Maize and Cassava with aggressive sustainable plan for up-scaling and replicating same for other crops, livestock and fisheries across the federation”. – Kyari Said.
He said visits are a crucial step towards the 2023/2024 Dry Season Farming initiative, a joint effort of the Federal Government in conjunction with States and Local Governments.
The initial focus will be on priority crops such as Wheat, Rice, Maize, and Cassava, with a comprehensive and sustainable plan for scaling and replicating this model for other crops, livestock, and fisheries across the nation.
This strategic effort is aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration, aiming to reposition agriculture as a key player in national development.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has affirmed its dedication to working with stakeholders genuinely interested in supporting the sector and addressing challenges hindering national food and nutrition security in a sustainable manner.
Acknowledging the importance of collaborative efforts, the Minister expressed gratitude to organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the National Agricultural Foundation of Nigeria, and All Farmers Association of Nigeria for their invaluable contributions to the success of this year’s World Food Day.
The government remains committed to continuous collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector to enhance food and nutrition security, contribute to poverty eradication, reduce unemployment, and promote economic growth within the agricultural and allied industries.
In the speech of the Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organizationread by the the Head of Office, FAO North East, Mr. Al Hassan Cisse, emphasized the necessity of collective action and interrelated contributions from various stakeholders to achieve better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and ultimately a better life for all.
He called for science- and evidence-based policies, efficient water management by farmers, and businesses embracing water stewardship to ensure a prosperous future for both people and the planet.
To further commemorate the day, the Permanent Secretary and staff of the ministry paid a visit to five farms in the Federal Capital Territory.
