The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has stressed the need for credible farmers’ data and accurately geo-referenced farmlands to be provided, as this is crucial to the government’s support for farmers across the nation.
The minister emphasized that this was to ensure that agro-inputs are directed to genuine farmers, especially smallholder farmers who have the required hectarage suitable for cultivation.
Senator Kyari, over the weekend, met with Mr. Abiodun Oyebanji and Mohammed Nasir Idris, governors of Kebbi and Ekiti States, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office, as part of efforts to achieve the food security agenda of the present administration.
According to him, “There is no doubt that the collective steps we are taking to boost food production, reduce food inflation, and more assuredly guarantee our national food security, are matters of urgent engagement that require increased inter-governmental interactions.
“In November of 2023, we flagged off the Wheat Dry Season Farming across 15 states that are in the wheat-producing belt of the country.
“As a reminder, the flag-off was intended to ensure that we rely less on rain-fed agricultural production during the wet season and instead have all-year round farming.”
The minister stated that taking advantage of both dry and wet season farming, in addition to expanding crop cultivation, will not only create more job opportunities but also contribute to reducing poverty, controlling food inflation and will also guarantee inclusivity which are goals highlighted in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Moreover, the minister pointed out the notable achievements in Ekiti’s agriculture under Governor Oyebanji’s administration, especially the focus on land preparation to open up more cultivable land for the farming populace.
He further noted that the federal government is willing to engage in a partnership with Ekiti State, recognizing the state’s commendable efforts in mobilizing farmers and utilizing available resources.
He said “The federal government is ready to collaborate and partner with Ekiti state in recognition of your efforts evident in the mobilisation of farmers and other resources available at the state level towards the Renewed Hope for Food Security Agenda of the federal government.”