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In a bold move toward ensuring transparency and equitable resource distribution for the upcoming farming season, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari has declared war against the longstanding issues of round-tripping and inadequate data validation within the agricultural sector.
The announcement came during a courtesy visit by the governor of Jigawa State, Mallam Umar Namadi to the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
Kyari, addressing the challenges facing the sector, particularly in the context of food security and escalating inflation, emphasised the need to address reported cases of round-tripping involving agro-dealers and the insufficient validation of farmers’ data in certain participating states. He stated, “We must tackle some of the challenges observed and ensure that they do not impede our agricultural development agenda. We are dedicated to implementing stringent measures in the forthcoming dry/wet season farming for rice, maize and cassava, to ensure transparent distribution and target genuine farmers”
Reaffirming the ministry’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, Kyari outlined the commitment to driving agricultural transformation, enhancing productivity, and providing necessary support for farmers. He underscored the ministry’s goal of ensuring food security and mitigating food inflation through the implementation of strategic programmes.
Highlighting technological solutions, industrialised mechanisation and inclusive partnerships with relevant stakeholders as crucial elements, Kyari expressed optimism about achieving food security and agricultural development in the country.
“We seek the support of all stakeholders in the agricultural sector to overcome the challenges and ensure a successful intervention despite time constraints. The second phase of the dry/wet season farming intervention is expected to commence this month and we are determined to make it a success.”
In conclusion, Kyari announced the commencement of the second phase of the 2023/2024 dry/wet season farming, officially launched last year in Jigawa State. He extended appreciation to Governor Umar Namadi for the remarkable successes achieved in the preparation of farmlands and distribution of agricultural inputs in Jigawa State under the NAGS-AP programme, commending the governor’s commitment to transparent input distribution and dedication to food security.