Following the prediction of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that the world food import bill will reach a new record of $1.98 trillion this year, the government of Lagos state has urged residents and local farmers to increase food production, as inflation impedes consumer spending.
The Lagos state commissioner for agriculture, Ms. Ruth Olusanya, stated that the unstable condition of the nation’s economy made it difficult for the government to address the threats to domestic food production. She noted that the government is aware of the problems that farmers face regarding their cost of living, especially as a result of inflation.
She highlighted that agriculture, being the most important sector of the economy, has been greatly affected, resulting in the increased costs of agricultural inputs.
She emphasized that the government is fully committed to poverty eradication and reduction of hunger, stating that sustainable agriculture and food systems are important to ensure the availability, affordability, and sustainability of food products for all.
Olusanya noted that Lagos aims to be a hub of food supply, stating that the government has been setting up various programmes to make agriculture more attractive.
