Federal Gov’t To Implement National Agricultural Goods Scheme To Tackle Inflation

The federal government is set to implement the first phase of the National Agricultural Goods Scheme to ramp up food production and ease the ongoing food shortages and high food inflation in the country.

The scheme targets wheat, rice, maize, and cassava production.

The minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, revealed this at the 1st Post-Harvest Connect Conference organised by the Nigeria Stored Product Research Institute (NSPRI) under the theme, ‘Scaling Appropriate Post-Harvest Solutions for Sustainable Food and Nutrition Security’, in Abuja on Thursday.

Abdullahi stated that in 2023 and 2024, Nigeria successfully implemented the first phase of the national agricultural goods scheme, achieving 180,652 hectares of millet with an estimated output of 55,600 to 75,000 metric tons of wheat grains for the upcoming rainy season.

He further mentioned that the government aimed to target 600,000 hectares, involving 1.2 million farmers covering five major food crops: rice, maize, sorghum, soybean, and cassava, nationwide to consolidate the gains made in the past.

Abdullahi commended the executive director and supporters of the initiative and emphasised the importance of collaboration. He urged research institutes to renew their collaborative activities with Nigerians, particularly the NSPRI, in order to benefit from innovative solutions in post-harvest research and innovation.

Addressing the audience, Abdullahi stressed the importance of national post-harvest programs across various agricultural zones and urged institutes to ensure adequate provision in the 2024 budget.

He concluded by expressing confidence that Nigeria will soon achieve self-sufficiency in food and nutrition through collective efforts and innovative technologies emerging from initiatives like the Post-Harvest Connect Conference.

The minister then officially declared the maiden edition of the Post-Harvest Connect Conference and Exhibition open, for the benefit of the citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

On his part, the executive director of NSPRI, Dr. Canisius Kanangire, emphasised the need for appropriate post-harvest solutions for sustainable food and nutrition security.

“Farmers in Africa will become globally competitive through the use of the best technology, optimal agricultural practices, strategic product value addition, and boosted access to efficient markets within and outside Africa,” he said.

Kanangire highlighted NSPRI’s focus on transforming farmers’ livelihoods in Africa through innovative agricultural technologies and stressed the importance of partnerships and collaboration for better results in supporting critical aspects of agricultural value chain development.

He emphasised the unique needs of individual countries and the importance of tailor-made solutions to address them effectively.