Senator Abubakar Kyari, CON, the Hon. Minister of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has issued a call for increased collaboration among Agro dealers to fortify production and foster food security within the nation.
The minister emphasized the critical role of collaboration during a recent courtesy visit to his office by Alhaji Kabir Umar Fara, the President of the Nigerian Agro Input Dealers Association (NAIDA), and his team in Abuja.
The purpose of this collaborative effort, as highlighted by Senator Abubakar, is to ensure that products supplied by Agro dealers adhere to prescribed standards in terms of quality and quantity, thereby contributing to overall food sufficiency.
He stressed the importance of the Association selling only certified and approved products sourced from registered Input producers, underscoring the pivotal role that Agro dealers play as representatives of the government.
Senator Abubakar Kyari further urged the Association to develop policies and programs aimed at mitigating the adulteration of products, acknowledging the responsibility of Agro dealers in implementing best agronomic practices.
Additionally, he encouraged farmers to utilize the provided inputs in accordance with optimal agronomic practices to maximize productivity.
Alhaji Kabir Umar Fara, President of NAIDA, provided insights into the association’s role as an umbrella organization for input distributors in Nigeria, covering fertilizers, organic and inorganic materials, seeds, petrol chemicals, and farm implements.
He outlined the association’s structured national body with Zonal Vice Presidents and State Chapter Chairmen, emphasizing their commitment to transforming agricultural business practices.
Addressing concerns about high input costs, Alhaji Kabir Umar Fara highlighted the association’s role in preventing Agro dealers from engaging in unscrupulous practices.
He underscored the significance of the sales permit issued by the Ministry and emphasized the deployment of foot soldiers in each state to collaborate with the 36 States and FCT, ensuring strict compliance with regulations and standards.
