The Federal Government is investing a lot in the agriculture sector with the hope of reducing food shortage and agro dealers also have their role to play.
Interventions in the production of rice, maize wheat and other crops has just become a very important part of the government plan.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has urged producers of fertiliser and poultry products to ensure that their products meet the standards.
Kyari urged input distributors to sell only certified products sourced from the registered input producers.
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The minister stated this at the closing ceremony of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro Pocket (NAGS-AP).
Also present at the review forum are the Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Wale Edun and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu.
According to Kyari, NAGS-AP Programme, supports farmers with critical farm inputs for the production of the priority crops.
Also, it provides support for better performances and sustainability, particularly in wheat seeds production.
What We Hope To Achieve
The government believes the project will secure a food production ecosystem. This it says will drive down the food inflation and boost production.
The forum will review the implementation of the 2023/2024 dry season wheat production implemented in the 15 wheat producing states.
Also, he compared the advantage to chart a new course for the implementation of the second phase for rice, maize and cassava.
“There are lapses in the implementation, so we have put in place a comprehensive evaluation and proffer qualitative remedial measures to forestall their reoccurrence.
He stated that machinery and strategies would be put in place to address the lapses and infractions from parties.
The Minister pointed out that officers who, would be deployed to manage the supply chain activities, should adhere to the rules and principles.
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Why This Intervention Is Important
Also, Edun said there were substantial intervention funds for the agric sector. This will take care of food production, especially for rice, maize wheat and cassava.
This, he said, would help to reduce inflation.
”A successful dry season farming will bring down the cost of food production and will bring down inflation,” he added.
Nigeria’s agricultural space is one of the most elastic in the world. Here, every cropping season could bring a bountiful harvest, if there is more investment in the sector, Bagudu said.
