The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi has restated that ensuring food security is a top priority of the Bola Tinubu administration.
The minister stated this during a visit to cluster farms in Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on Tuesday.
The visit was part of activities lined up for the 2024 World Food Day,
He said that collaborative farming efforts was very important in addressing food challenges.
Addressing the farmers in the farm, the Minister said, “We are here to understand the challenges farmers face firsthand. Instead of celebrating World Food Day in our offices, we chose to visit the field.”
He said this approach underscores the ministry’s commitment to engaging with farmers and tailoring solutions to their specific needs.
The minister emphasised the role of cluster farming in achieving food security, noting, “Our goal at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is to ensure that no one goes to bed hungry.”
He outlined the government’s initiatives to support farmers in overcoming the pervasive issues of climate change, low yield, and productivity.
Abdullahi expressed gratitude for the collaboration with the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations.
He highlighted the need for sustainable farming practices. “The essence of food security is that citizens must have access to food without difficulty,” he said.
During the visit, the minister observed various crops being cultivated, including rice, guinea corn, and cowpeas, reinforcing the ministry’s commitment to developing effective support programs.
“We aim to promote dry-season farming and support areas suitable for irrigation,” he explained, adding that the ministry is launching a Farmer Soil Health Card program to enhance agricultural productivity.
As the country faces ongoing food crisis, Abdullahi affirmed that the ministry is determined to combat these challenges and ensure that farmers receive the necessary assistance to thrive.
“We have observed a renewed interest in farming, with many individuals returning to agriculture,” he noted.
The minister congratulated the farmers in the Federal Capital Territory for their dedication and resilience, reaffirming the government’s commitment to advancing food security through enhanced cluster farming initiatives.
The minister also donated 30 bags of fertilizers, spraying cans among other inputs to enhance the cluster farms activities.