By Ologeh Joseph
The administrstion of President Bola Ahmed Tinubi has asked State Governors to submit a comprehensive list of farmers expected to benefit from the agrarian policy targeting millions across the country.
The gesture is to ensure real farmers are put on a data base across the country to ease ensure as end users, the support from the Federal Government does not go to the wrong hands
Irohinoodua was informed that the decision is in line with President Tinubu’s plan to cultivate crops on 500,000 hectares of farmland nationwide.
The initiative is to ensure massive production of essential crops in the country.
Speaking on the initiative, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abukakar Kyari, said his Ministry is even committed to surpassing the target outlined by President Tinubu.
In his New Year address, President Tinubu had said the Federal Government plans to cultivate 500,000 hectares of farmland as a strategic measure to alleviate hunger and boost food production.
Kyari said “First things first. We have to know who the real farmers are.”
He said to ensure the success of the initiative, a joint task force would be established, bringing together resources from both federal and state levels.
Acknowledging challenges such as land tripping issues, lack of verifiable data, and farmers’ economic constraints, Kyari stressed the significance of collaboration with front-line states.
“The goal is to develop a successful program that addresses these concerns and facilitates the active participation of farmers in the initiative.”
Kyari spoke while visiting the Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda.
He praised Katsina for launching the first phase of the dry season farming program.
The state, along with others like Jigawa, Kano, Niger, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto, emerged as front-line contributors to the collective effort in achieving food security.
“These states, particularly involved in the dry season wheat and rice programs, as well as maize and cassava, play a pivotal role in realizing the broader national objective” Kyari said.