Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, has disclosed that initiatives are in the works to reduce food inflation across the country.
Kyari made the remarks on Friday, when Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi paid him a visit in Abuja.
He stated that the ministry’s mission was to provide food security and reduce food inflation.
“We also intend to massively produce to bring down food inflation because today the number one driver of inflation is food price inflation,” he went on to say.
Kyari further stated that President Bola Tinubu’s food security strategy is on track.
He stated that food production programs would be continued in 2024 to benefit Nigerians.
“The ministry is focused on ramping up massive production of staple crops through technology and mechanisation,” he said.
“We are grateful for Mr. President’s support and guidance as we work to make Nigeria more food secure.”
“We are ready to put our programs in place in accordance with his vision for the agricultural sector.”
“We are determined to drive agricultural transformation, enhancing productivity, and ensuring that our farmers have the necessary support to thrive.”
Kyari stated that the ministry would proceed with its planned programs and initiatives while ensuring their long-term viability for mass manufacturing.
“There is a plan for the sustainability of our programs to ensure massive food production in 2024.”
“This is so that food will be available and Nigeria will be food secured in line with Mr President’s agenda on food security,” he said in a statement.
He asked agricultural stakeholders to assist the Ministry in overcoming obstacles and ensuring a successful intervention.
“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,” the minister stated.
In addition, the minister stated that the ministry has provided full support for wheat production in Jigawa and other states.
He stated that the governor’s visit exemplifies the State and Federal Government’s strong relationship in securing food security and agricultural development in Nigeria.
Earlier, Namadi stated that wheat had been planted on 36,000, 700, 87 hectares, providing a bright promise for wheat self-sufficiency.
“We have done 36,000, 700, 87 hectares of wheat farming as of today, which is the official record.”
“We still have this is an addition to 5,000 hectares, on the aggregate we have almost 50,000 hectares of wheat farm in Jigawa,” he told reporters.
He assured the minister that Jigawa would continue to participate in the NAGS-AP wheat dry season farming initiative, saying, “We have the land and resources to promote wheat farming.” We have put in place strong programs to help us with dry season farming in the state.
“As of today, we are updating our farmers register so that when we begin our rice season farming, we will be properly guided.” “We will work with you to ensure that we are successful in this dry season farming,” Namadi stated.
