By Milcah Tanimu
The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has called for year-round subsidy on agricultural inputs and increased mechanization to address the issue of food inflation in the country. The organization emphasized that high food prices have become a major concern and that farmers need more support to meet the food demands of Nigeria’s population, which exceeds 200 million people.
The National President of AFAN, Arc Ibrahim Kabir, suggested that addressing high food prices should be a collaborative effort between the federal, state, and local governments. He stressed the importance of synergy among these levels of government to boost food production, enhance food security, and create jobs within the agricultural sector.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), food inflation in Nigeria has risen to 29.34 percent, with significant price increases in major food items such as maize, milk, and plantains. Kabir pointed out that addressing food inflation requires measures beyond the simple law of supply and demand, as interventions like buying on contract can exacerbate inflation.
Kabir proposed that supporting farmers with subsidies on agricultural inputs, increased mechanization, science and technology, and improved access to credit could help boost year-round productivity. He also urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to transparently implement the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP) and engage stakeholders in the agricultural sector for constructive dialogue.
Additionally, Kabir suggested that the government should attract investors to the agricultural sector by offering incentives and facilitating the ease of doing business. He emphasized that Nigeria’s large population and abundant arable land present significant opportunities for agribusiness and investment in the sector.
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