By Stella Odueme
As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to celebrate the 2025 World Food Day on Thursday, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has said in response to the numerous challenges faced by smallholder farmers, it has developed short-term plans to make farm inputs more accessible and affordable even as it attributed the fall in the prices of Foodstuffs to increase in local production.
Speaking at a press conference as part of activities to mark the day with the thene; “the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future” after the Sensitization Walk, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, said in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise to ease economic hardship, the ministry is supporting smallholder farmers in the all the states of the federation and FCT with vital farm implements and inputs.
“These will be provided at no cost to farmers, and distributed through Agricultural Commodity Associations, Farmers Cooperative Groups, Internally Displaced Persons, women, and youths as well as farmers with special needs.
“The essential inputs are part of our commitment to boosting food production and enhancing farmers’ productivity throughout the country.
While speaking on efforts of the government on food secuurity, he this year’s celebration is a convergence of World Food Day and the Food and Agriculture Organization’s 80th anniversary, a significant milestone highlighting the organization’s efforts to create a more food-secure world.
“Likewise, the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future” emphasizes the importance of global collaboration across governments, organizations, private sector, and communities to build a peaceful, sustainable, prosperous, and a food-secure future.
“As usual, Nigeria today, joins over 150 countries to celebrate the World Food Day with events and outreach activities taking place worldwide. These events will promote awareness of hunger and food security issues, inspiring collective action for more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agri-food systems.
“As we reflect on the state of food security in our nation, we note that despite progress made and successes achieved, many challenges persist. Adverse effect of climate change, limited access to farm inputs, post-harvest losses, funding gaps in the face of rising input costs, low mechanization and insecurity in major food-growing regions of the country have decreased agricultural output, potentially threatening the food security of our most vulnerable populations.
“The economic implication of these challenges are profound, affecting our sector’s performance and contribution to the national Gross Domestic Product.”
The minister hailed Nigerian farmers for their doggedness to surmount challenges they are faced with.
“However, I am heartened by the resilience and determination of the Nigerian farmers, who work tirelessly to feed our nation despite these daunting challenges. Battling harsh weather conditions, pests and diseases, navigating inadequate infrastructure and limited access to markets, and persevering through insecurity and economic uncertainty, is a testament to our farmers’ strength and dedication.
“It is also a reminder that the backbone of our nation remains strong. Thanks to the unrelenting efforts of these unsung heroes.”
He disclosed that the government has fashioned out a clear policy direction to provide road map for the strategic implementation of key programmes and projects to boost agriculture.
“In this perspective, our policy direction is fashioned towards an increased agricultural output in the country in order to sustain the contribution of agriculture to the country’s gross domestic product, enhance livelihood and attain food security.”
According to Abdullahi, the government has intensified investment in agriculture through various initiatives such as the Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanization Programme.
“Recently, 2,000 tractors and over 9,000 specialized farming implements were launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the cultivation of over 550,000 hectares of farmland.
“The expected outcome is to produce more than two million metric tons of staple foods and create jobs for Nigerian youths and women,” he noted.
Also speaking, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhta Maiha gave insights into what his ministry is doing to enhance livestock production as well as the issue of open grazing which he said would soon be phased out.
The celebration ended with a dialogue with stakeholders to move the agricultural sector forward.
