Senator Abubakar Kyari, Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, officially launched the 2023/2024 Dry Season Farming under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket Project (NAGS&AP) on Saturday, 25th November 2023. The event took place in Kadume, Hadejia Local Government Area.
Addressing a distinguished audience, Senator Kyari expressed gratitude to all stakeholders present, including the Executive Governor of Jigawa State and fellow ministers.
He acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unprecedented declaration of a State of Emergency in Nigeria’s Food Security on July 13, 2023, setting the stage for the ministry’s focused efforts.
Senator Kyari then highlighted the significance of dry season farming, describing it as a pivotal opportunity to unlock the country’s agricultural potential and diversify food production.
According to him, this initiative transcends seasonal constraints, contributing to meeting the demands of a growing population and fortifying the economy.
The Minister explained that the dry season farming initiative is a key component of the NAGS&AP Project, made possible by a $134 million loan from the African Development Bank, adding that it aims to enhance farmers’ capacity to cultivate staples like rice, maize, cassava, wheat, soybeans, and sorghum, with a target of increasing crop yield by at least 20%.
“Our farmers remain our most prized assets as a Nation,” he said.
He then pledged support to 150,000 to 250,000 farmers with a 50% input subsidy, aiming to cultivate between 200,000 to 250,000 hectares and achieve an expected yield of 1,250,000 tonnes of wheat.
To ensure transparency and accountability, the Minister emphasized that the program would be technology-enabled, providing support services such as extension, insurance, and additional finance.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Senator Kyari highlighted the ministry’s innovative use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to address issues, from targeting irrigated farm clusters to mapping farmers to AgroDealer Redemption Centers.
He emphasized the collective effort needed to transform challenges into opportunities, fostering a sustainable and food-secure nation.
“Let us work hand in hand, united in purpose, to usher in a new era of agricultural prosperity and ensure a brighter future for Nigeria. Together, we can transform our challenges into opportunities and pave the way for a sustainable and food-secure nation. Let us dare to renew our hope,” he concluded.