In an effort to combat food inflation, generate employment, and alleviate poverty, the Federal Government has set a target to produce 31 million metric tonnes of grains in 2024.
Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, made this announcement on Wednesday in a statement released by the ministry in Abuja.
Abdullahi emphasized the importance of this ambitious production goal, stating, “Nigeria’s seed requirement/need for five major crops: rice, maize, wheat, soybeans, and sorghum in 2024 is 312,555.69MT, which is expected to yield almost 31 million MT of grains.”
The minister outlined the Ministry’s strategic approach to addressing food security challenges, categorizing actions into short-term, intermediate, and long-term measures. One of the immediate priorities identified is the certification of available planting material for key food security crops in the upcoming dry season farming of 2023/2024.
Abdullahi also highlighted specific initiatives, such as the ongoing dry season farming project launched in Jigawa State, which focuses on certifying planting material for critical crops. Additionally, the ministry aims to support wheat production on over 70,000 hectares through partnerships with the Africa Development Bank, the National Agricultural Growth Scheme, and the AgroPocket Scheme project.
Farmers are being provided with essential support, including quality seeds for rice, maize, and soybean, along with other inputs at subsidized rates. The overarching goal is to enhance agricultural productivity, ensure food self-sufficiency, and create a positive impact on the economy by addressing key challenges in the agricultural sector.
As the Federal Government undertakes these initiatives, stakeholders anticipate a significant contribution to the nation’s food security, economic growth, and poverty reduction efforts. The coordinated approach outlined by the Ministry reflects a commitment to addressing immediate challenges while laying the groundwork for sustained agricultural development in Nigeria.
