Owerri: The Federal Government has taken a significant step towards enhancing food security in Nigeria by distributing free farm implements to 90 groups of smallholder farmers in Imo State. This initiative, executed on Saturday, is part of a broader effort to support farmers and bolster agricultural productivity across the country. The distribution was carried out by Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, represented by Dr. Iyere-Usiahon Perpetua, a director in the ministry.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the programme is aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing the critical importance of attaining food security, which is a central goal of nations worldwide. This objective is also echoed in the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. The minister highlighted the administration’s commitment to implement economic reforms aimed at stimulating productive capacity, job creation, and reducing the cost of living. Implements distributed included power tillers, herbicides, liquid fertilizers, knapsack sprayers, and water pumps, benefiting various groups including commodity associations, cooperative groups, and farmers with Special Needs and IDPs.
President Bola Tinubu had declared a state of emergency on food security in July 2023. The minister reassured that the current administration is fully committed to transforming the agriculture sector, making food security a top priority. Since assuming office on August 21, 2023, the ministry has identified necessary changes to align existing initiatives with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security’s core mandate. Numerous programmes and projects have been introduced to overcome challenges faced by farmers and ensure food availability, accessibility, and affordability for all Nigerians.
The Federal and State Governments are actively engaging to address national food security objectives, while also fostering synergies with Non-Governmental Organisations and the private sector to promote food security, economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. The ministry has also implemented short-term plans to make essential farm inputs more affordable and accessible through transparent processes. The focus remains on facilitating agro-inputs and basic farm machinery for small-scale farmers hindered by high market costs.
The programme aims to support farmers and enhance food production, aligning with the administration’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly zero hunger, while addressing the food crisis in the country. Dr. Alexander Onwumere, Permanent Secretary of the Imo State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, urged the Federal Government to sustain the programme and advised farmers to use the tools wisely. Chief Tobias Iwu, former First Deputy National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), expressed gratitude for the timely arrival of the tools, encouraging farmers to maximize their productivity. Mr. Chinedu Madu, representing other beneficiaries, also thanked the Federal Government and called for the programme’s continuation.