- The objective of this gathering is to craft a strategic operational plan that encompasses collaborative implementation plans and strategies involving federal, state, and local governments
In November, the federal government is set to organize a national summit focused on agriculture and food security to bolster the nation’s food stability.
Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, disclosed this during a press conference in Abuja on Friday.
He emphasized that the summit aims to convene all relevant stakeholders to formulate a comprehensive national action plan for food security, complete with an effective implementation and sustainability strategy.
Furthermore, Senator Kyari highlighted the upcoming National Council for Agriculture and Food Security (NCAFS) meeting scheduled to take place in Cross River in November.
The objective of this gathering is to craft a strategic operational plan that encompasses collaborative implementation plans and strategies involving federal, state, and local governments.
He said the meeting would review the mechanisms and processes for delivering fertilisers and agro pesticides input to farmers under a transparent and accountable regime.
”This will be part of the main agenda at the summit and the NCAFS meetings in November,” he said.
The minister said the national agricultural research system would be reformed to serve as the engine of growth for innovative solutions to strategic value chains and increase productivity -yields of food security.
He said that the ministry would develop innovative communication, monitoring, evaluation, learning and accountability platforms that guarantee continuous interface among all the critical stakeholders.
”This will ensure 24/7 engagements and field reporting,” he added.
Mr Kyari noted that ICT tools would be deployed to support these platforms for the facilitation of e-extension services at scale.
He called for an urgent synergy between the ministry of agriculture and the ministry of water resources to ensure adequate irrigation of farmlands and to guarantee food production all year round.
“It is on this note that the ministry shall make strategic investment in renewable irrigation solutions like solar-powered irrigation pumps for small-holder farmers,” he said.
Senator Abubakar Kyari outlined key initiatives by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, including a comprehensive review of existing agricultural laws to support farmers and private sector involvement.
They plan to establish agricultural marketing incubation centers, focusing on empowering youth and women in all six geo-political zones. Capacity building for effective farm input regulation is another priority, aiming to prevent the infiltration of adulterated farm inputs like fertilizers and pesticides.
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