Titilayo Adebanjo, an agricultural expert, has called on the federal government to revive “Operations Feed The Nation” to boost food sufficiency and supply chain.
Mr Adebanjo made the call in an interview with journalists on Sunday, in Epe, Lagos.
He said that, if all states go into agriculture, especially food production, it will boost its availability in the market and lead to price reduction.
Mr Adebanjo noted that a robust agricultural sector was fundamental to national development.
“Operation Feed the Nation” was one of the agricultural policy thrusts of the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo during his tenure as military head of state.
According to Mr Adebanjo, prioritising farming remains a key strategy towards achieving food security.
He maintained that increased investment in agriculture was critical in ensuring citizens access affordable food.
The agriculture expert stressed the need for all states to embrace farming to become self-sufficient in food production.
He added that this approach and intervention would enhance food security and stabilise prices.
“It is logical that if every state in the country takes farming seriously and produces food to meet the needs of its citizens, it will significantly reduce the cost of food in the market.
“An increase in food supply will naturally lead to lower prices, making food more affordable for the average Nigerians,” he said.
Mr Adebanjo urged the government to create the needed enabling environment for farmers by providing incentives such as; access to land, low-interest loans, and modern farming equipment.
He explained that these measures would motivate more individuals to venture into agriculture and increase productivity.
The expert also called for the promotion of agricultural education and training programmes to equip farmers with modern techniques and knowledge.
“This will enhance efficiency in food production and improve the quality of agricultural outputs, ” he said.
Mr Adebanjo called on all tiers of government to act swiftly in implementing policies that would transform farming into a sustainable solution for food security.