Federal Government Harvests Ambitious Plan: Backs Farmers and Foresees 31 Million MT Grain Boost

The Federal Government, as reported by InfoStride News, has announced ambitious plans to produce 31 million metric tonnes of grains in 2024, aiming to address food inflation, generate employment, and alleviate poverty. Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, shared this information in a statement released from the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

Abdullahi emphasized the country’s seed requirements for key crops such as rice, maize, wheat, soybeans, and sorghum in 2024, estimating a need for 312,555.69 metric tonnes. This, according to him, is anticipated to result in the production of nearly 31 million metric tonnes of grains.

In tackling Nigeria’s food security challenges, the minister outlined a strategic framework encompassing short-term, intermediate, and long-term measures. Among the immediate priorities is the certification of planting materials for select crops in the upcoming dry season farming cycle of 2023/2024. This initiative was officially launched in Jigawa State last Saturday.

Abdullahi further highlighted the ministry’s collaboration with the Africa Development Bank and the National Agricultural Growth Scheme, along with the AgroPocket Scheme project, to target over 70,000 hectares for wheat production.

To support farmers, the government is providing assistance in the form of high-quality seeds for rice, maize, and soybeans, in addition to offering other inputs at subsidized rates. Notably, the minister emphasized the importance of pasture seeds development, establishment of fodder and foliage estates to mitigate conflicts between farmers and herders, and the creation of gene bank facilities as short-term interventions.

The development of these initiatives is a testament to the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable agriculture practices and ensuring food security in the country. As Nigeria positions itself to become a major grain producer, these efforts are expected to have a positive impact on the economy, job creation, and poverty reduction. InfoStride News will continue to monitor and report on the progress of these agricultural initiatives as they unfold.