Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, has disclosed the imminent commencement of the second phase of dry season farming across all states, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The announcement was made during a courtesy visit by Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, to the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Abuja.
Kyari assured that the upcoming dry season farming phase would involve the production of maize, rice, and cassava on identified irrigable farmlands. Genuine farmers are expected to benefit from the Federal Government’s subsidized certified quality seeds and agro-inputs, encompassing fertilizers, micro-nutrients, herbicides, and pesticides.
The minister highlighted that the first phase of the Dry Season Farming, initiated under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP) project in November 2023, focused on 15 wheat-producing states. Based on an evaluation of the initial phase, the Implementation Guidelines for the second phase have been refined.
Among the modifications, Kyari emphasized the establishment of NAGS-AP State Working Committees chaired by the Executive Governor or their representative. The committees will include key members such as the Commissioner for Agriculture (Vice Chairman), Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs or representative, State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, NAGS-AP State Focal Point person, and representatives of organizations like the Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and Traditional Rulers.
Expressing optimism about Nasarawa State’s participation, Kyari noted the state’s prominence in grains, legumes, and root crop cultivation, with key rice milling facilities. He emphasized the synergy between government tiers as crucial for achieving national food security.
Governor Abdullahi Sule affirmed Nasarawa’s position as an agrarian state, leading in sesame, cassava, yam, and ranking fifth in national rice production. He pledged efforts to secure the top spot in all these commodities and mentioned ongoing initiatives to provide farm inputs to smallholder farmers.
Addressing the issue of high food prices, Governor Sule attributed it to middlemen hoarding food items. He disclosed plans to establish a committee to prevent hoarding, ensuring stability in the supply chain and averting artificial scarcity and price hikes.
