Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Stresses Shift Towards Agricultural Wealth Generation
By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Abuja
In a bid to improve food production and support farmers, the Federal Government (FG) has distributed over 2.1 million bags of fertilizer to farmers across the country. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is also providing food aid to communities affected by floods.
During the 5th Meeting of the Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum held in Maiduguri, Borno State, Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, emphasized the need for Nigeria’s agricultural sector to shift from simply feeding the population to generating wealth.
Kyari stated, “We must increase productivity through research, climate-resilient seeds, soil health improvement, and smart agriculture. These efforts will help us transition from a food security approach to one that generates wealth for the country.”
Key Initiatives and Technological Advancements
To further improve transparency and efficiency, Kyari revealed that the Ministry is developing a biometric-based farmer registration system in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). This system aims to ensure that targeted interventions reach the intended beneficiaries, helping to streamline agricultural support.
Kyari’s leadership in agriculture also extends to onion production, where the Minister took action against a potential 40% shortfall in production caused by the distribution of adulterated seeds. Following an emergency meeting with the National Onion Producers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN), it was revealed that a NOPPMAN member was responsible for supplying the substandard seeds. The guilty party has been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for investigation.
Impact of Initiatives on the Agricultural Sector
Kyari’s actions have been widely praised as a proactive and bold approach to tackling the issues facing Nigeria’s agricultural sector. His efforts are seen as pivotal in positioning Nigeria to take full advantage of its agricultural potential, particularly in onion production. Nigeria is the 7th largest onion producer globally and the 3rd largest in Africa, contributing approximately 4.3% of global onion production.
Key production hubs for onions are located in states like Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Sokoto, Plateau, Bauchi, and Kebbi, with onion farming emerging as a lucrative business venture. The Minister’s intervention is expected to boost Nigeria’s onion production even further, solidifying the country’s role as a major player in the global onion market.
Future Prospects for Nigeria’s Agricultural Growth
Experts predict that Kyari’s focus on smart agriculture, climate-resilient seeds, and soil health will propel Nigeria’s agricultural sector towards substantial growth. As the country’s agricultural output accounts for 87.6% of the total sector’s contribution, these efforts could significantly enhance both food security and the economic prosperity of Nigerian farmers.
With continuous support and strategic interventions, the Minister’s approach is expected to revolutionize Nigeria’s agricultural landscape and ensure that the sector plays a central role in wealth generation for the nation.
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