Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, reassures citizens in a New Year message that the government is diligently addressing the surge in food inflation. Kyari acknowledges public concerns over festive season food costs and reduced purchasing power, pledging efforts to curb the ongoing high inflation trend.
The minister highlights transportation challenges, infrastructure issues, and exchange rate volatility affecting food affordability. Emphasizing affordability as a key aspect of food security, Kyari announces government initiatives, including the launch of dry season farming targeting wheat, rice, maize, and cassava in November 2023.
He urges farmers to follow expert advice and calls on stakeholders to seize opportunities in the agriculture sector. Kyari commends state governments supporting President Bola Tinubu’s food security agenda and outlines plans for dry and wet season farming, along with reforms in the Bank of Agriculture to facilitate affordable credit for genuine farmers.
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The minister also sets sights on boosting animal husbandry, poultry, aquaculture, and agro-forestry to enhance overall agricultural production.
“For us in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, a number of items in our Strategic Work Plan will equally gather pace in the New Year. This includes formalizing the processes and procedures for bringing under cultivation the vast arable land currently lying fallow in the possession of federal institutions and establishments. Our goal in this regard is to significantly increase agricultural production in more secure environments,” he said.
Disclosing that they would proceed with the reform of Bank of Agriculture (BOA) with the ultimate objective of enabling genuine farmers access affordable credit, he said this would be in addition to ramping up insurance for players in the agriculture and food security sector.
He said: “Our sights are also set on boosting animal husbandry, poultry and allied businesses, aquaculture, as well as agro-forestry.” While congratulating Nigerians on the New Year, he urged them to join hands to till the fertile lands and reap the abundant harvests.
