Kano State governor, Engr. Abba Yusuf has lamented that low productivity and post-harvest losses in the state’s agriculture hinder the growth of the sector.
Governor Yusuf also identified limited market access and inadequate financial services as factors negating the sector.
He made the remark on Monday while declaring open a two-day biannual review meeting on the Implementation of Food Systems Transformation Pathways In Nigeria for North-West and North-East Zones in Kano.
The governor who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Shehu Sagagi, said the state was proud to be one of the leading agricultural hubs in Nigeria, with farming being the lifeblood of its economy.
“Our farmers work tirelessly to ensure that we have enough food, and agriculture continues to provide livelihoods for more than 60 per cent of our people.
“Yet, we are fully aware that this sector faces many challenges which ranges from low productivity and post-harvest losses to limited market access and inadequate financial services.
“These issues not only affect the growth of our agricultural sector but also limit the potential of our farmers, particularly smallholders. This is why the National Food System Transformation Pathways Project is both timely and critical,” he said.
According to Governor Yusuf, the project addresses many pressing issues facing farmers in the state as it focuses on capacity building on emerging farming techniques, market access, resilience to climate risks as well as down to the best food preparation techniques.
“The National Food System Transformation Pathways is offering our farmers the tools they need to not only survive but to thrive in an increasingly challenging environment,” Yusuf added.
Earlier, the North-West Coordinator of the Project, Hajiya Lauratu Ado Diso, said the two zones were bedevilled by the menaces of bandits, kidnappers and insurgents, which she said made farming activities virtually impossible in some areas.
“Hence, these zones become the most vulnerable among all, in terms of malnutrition and hunger scale.
“Therefore, we must double our efforts in eradicating this menace. We must put all hands on deck to do whatever it takes to change this narrative or change the negative situation into a positive one.
“This could only be possible through effective implementation of Food System Transformation Path Ways in all farms, and will only be possible through collaboration and coordination” Diso, who is also the permanent secretary of the Kano State Ministry of Budget and Planning”, Diso said.
