Abuja: The Federal Government has intensified investment in agriculture through the Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation to empower smallholder farmers and boost food and nutrition security in the country. The Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation initiative aims to empower smallholder farmers with modern equipment, reduce manual labour, and increase yields.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, revealed these plans at the Ministerial News Conference in Abuja, coinciding with the 2025 World Food Day themed ‘Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future.’ He highlighted the importance of global collaboration across governments, organisations, private sectors, and communities to build a peaceful, sustainable, prosperous, and food-secure future.
Abdullahi emphasized that Nigeria’s agriculture is primed for stronger performance through supportive policies, rising investments, and strategic partnerships undertaken by the government. He stated that the current administration is committed to addressing food insecurity, economic instability, and agricultural development.
The Tinubu government acknowledges agriculture’s critical role in economic development and national sustenance. Recent initiatives include the inauguration of 2,000 tractors and over 9,000 specialised farming implements by President Bola Tinubu, aimed at cultivating over 550,000 hectares of farmland. The expected outcome is the production of more than two million metric tonnes of staple foods and job creation for Nigerian youths and women.
Abdullahi also announced the recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) with N1.5 trillion, a significant milestone in Nigeria’s agricultural financing landscape. President Tinubu approved a N250 billion credit facility for smallholder farmers, with funds to be disbursed at a single-digit interest rate, aimed at promoting the agricultural sector and unlocking growth opportunities.
In response to challenges faced by smallholder farmers, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has developed short-term plans to enhance the accessibility and affordability of farm inputs. Abdullahi called on the public to educate themselves about global food challenges and advocate for policies addressing hunger, food waste, and sustainable farming practices at various levels.