The Federal Government (FG) has said it will embrace smart agriculture to boost the production of food in Nigeria.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari disclosed this in a post he shared on his X account on Wednesday.
Kyari also promised that the FG will meet its food security targets despite climate change and other challenges.
“As we face the devastation caused by recent flooding in our agricultural heartlands, I extend my deepest sympathies to the thousands of farmers whose livelihoods have been swept away by these unforgiving forces of nature,” Kyari said.
“The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reported that thousands of hectares of farmland have been damaged, and more than 40,000 people have been displaced.
“This is a deeply troubling development, with significant social and economic implications for our rural communities, particularly small-scale farmers.
“Despite the challenges, we remain committed to achieving our food security targets. We will intensify our efforts in dry season farming to mitigate the losses.
“The impact of the flooding will undoubtedly affect this year’s harvest, but we are hopeful that it will have a minimal effect on our national food security.”
In addition, he also extended his sympathies to the farmers in North-Central, North-East, parts of the North-West and South-West who have suffered from the recent dry spell.
The minister said the erratic weather patterns we are witnessing in Nigeria are a reminder of the urgent need to invest in technologies and practices that empower farmers to adapt to a changing climate and safeguard their livelihoods.
“Under the guidance of President Bola Tinubu, we are embracing smart agriculture and the use of early maturing seeds to pave the way for a more sustainable and secure agricultural sector,” Kyari said.
“Our focus will be on strengthening the 2024/2025 dry season farming to recover the losses from the floods.
“To achieve this, my ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.
“We have already constituted a joint committee to explore ways to expand areas under cultivation during the dry season and boost food production.”
He has, therefore, urged all Nigerians to stand in solidarity with farmers and offer them the support and resources they need during this difficult time.
Kyari also expressed belief that together, Nigerians will weather this storm and emerge stronger, united in their commitment to the agricultural sector and to ensuring that the farmers continue to feed the nation.
