The Federal Government and State Governments have reiterated commitment to increase food production and ensure food security in the country.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, stated this when Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State visited him on Monday, February 5, 2024, in Abuja.
AbdulRazaq was accompanied by Gov. Agbu Kefas of Taraba, Ahmed Ododo of Kogi and Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State.
The minister said that their visit demonstrated an admirable willingness to engage in the drive towards improved food security.
He said that he was aware that in their respective states, agriculture had witnessed noticeable development over the years.
“The phase (second phase of dry season farming) we are about to get into is particularly crucial because, unlike the phase one for Wheat Production, which involved only 15 states.
“The second phase will cover the entire country.
“We will like you to use the instrumentality of your offices as Governors, to ensure the readiness of your respective states for optimal participation in this second phase for the cultivation of rice, maize, and cassava.
“Among the readiness criteria that we would like to reiterate for this phase are that the land is prepared and available for immediate cultivation.
“Also, that the irrigable lands are allotted or owned by verifiable genuine farmers; and that the state is participating to the last mile of the entire chain,” he said.
Kyari expressed optimism that there would be seamlessly achieve all-year-round agricultural production, with beneficial consequences for economic empowerment, food and nutrition security among others.
Earlier, AbdulRazaq, who spoke on behalf of the governors, said that the issue of food security was paramount.
“In Nigeria today, food security now is an urgency we must tackle. One thing that we have come to realise is that there is a new Ministry of Agriculture,” he said.
He said that in West Africa food, Nigeria food is the cheapest saying that neighbouring countries are using Nigeria food to trade.
The governor said that Nigeria could feed its citizens as well as export its food, adding that China is doing the same thing.
“We must do the same thing. We must make sure we feed ourselves 100 per cent and export food from Nigeria,” he said.
By Doris Esa
