We’ll Resolve Farmers, Herders’ Conflicts, Reposition Agric Sector – Minister

The federal government has vowed to do everything within its reach to deepen engagement in communities to resolve farmers and herders’ conflicts, reposition agricultural institutions and deliver agro-input to farmers all year round to increase food production and security.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, made the remarks while delivering a speech at the 46th meeting of the National Council on Agriculture and Food Security  , which concluded Friday in Càlabar.

Kyari averred  that arrangements are on top gear  for collaboration  on water resources irrigation schemes, soil fertility, information system, laboratories establishment in research institutes, and  relevant universities, faculties and colleges for food security.

He stated that the ministry has mapped out strategies to   drive mechanisation programme, stressing that the federal and state governments are implementing Messrs Origin, John Deere, Belarus and Brazil’s partnerships for the purpose of closing the tractorization gap and increasing production.

“On commodity production, we are executing the AfDB assisted National Agricultural Growth Scheme to provide inputs for all year-round farming of wheat, rice, cassava, maize, sorghum, and  soybean nationwide.

“With regards to renewable energy, collaboration is on the development and promotion of bio-fuel, solar electricity and wind turbine technology for farm and domestic power supply.

Also  focus is the promotion of Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) certification for farmers, export of farm produce to achieve zero rejection of export, as well as the establishment and enforcement of standards and guidelines to regulate activities along the value chain.

“Equally prioritized is the development and application of organic fertilizer to avoid the excessive use of chemicals in our farming system.

“In this perspective, our assistance to farmers in the provision of inputs has contributed to the output of crops along the annual and perennial types,” he maintained.

Kyari stressed that the federal government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, will facilitate roads in rural communities, electricity, boreholes, water harvesting structures, land clearing activity, and appropriate technologies, adding that the approach is to enhance food productivity.

“I therefore encourage all to uphold the principle of inclusiveness, transparency, prioritization and partnership for collective agribusiness undertakings in the country,” he said.