The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the release of implementation guidelines for the upcoming second phase of dry season farming, aiming to overcome challenges encountered during the initial phase.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this during a meeting with several state governors at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Highlighting the issues faced during the first phase, particularly in wheat production across 15 participating states, Minister Kyari stressed the importance of refining guidelines for the second phase. This initiative is part of the Dry Season Food Production Programme under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NASG-AP).
Key among the guidelines is the establishment of NASG-AP state working committees, chaired by executive governors or their representatives. Minister Kyari underscored the vital role of state governments in ensuring sustainable agricultural production and advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 8-point agenda.
As the second phase expands nationwide, the minister urged state governors to prepare their states for optimal participation in cultivating rice, maize, and cassava. Criteria include prepared and available land, irrigable lands owned by genuine farmers, and full state engagement across the agricultural chain.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State advocated for consolidating agricultural programmes under the ministry to streamline interventions and enhance impact. He stressed the urgency of addressing food security and maximizing dry-season farming initiatives to meet Nigeria’s population demands.
AbdulRazaq, also the chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), emphasized the significance of focusing on rice, cassava, and maize production. He envisioned Nigeria becoming a food exporter to West Africa, underscoring the nation’s potential as a key provider of affordable food within the region.
“The ministry has come up with a programme emphasising rice, cassava, and maize. So, we want to take advantage of the program and urgently make sure we improve our yield to deliver to the Nigerian population. It will get to a stage where Nigeria exports to the rest of West Africa. Nigeria’s food is the cheapest in West Africa today,” said AbdulRazaq.
The unveiling of guidelines for the second phase signals a concerted effort by the Federal Government and state stakeholders to bolster agricultural productivity and ensure food security across Nigeria.
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