The Federal Government has said it is going all out in the fight to end food insecurity in the country with its operation empty the stores campaign.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, who disclosed this on Wednesday at the opening of a one-day workshop for agriculture correspondents, organised by the ministry in Abuja, said henceforth the ministry would be embarking on operation empty the stores where equipment and input materials for farmers are kept nationwide.
He said if Nigeria must achieve food security the inputs and equipments purchased by the government must be put to use.
While commending the journalists for the great work they are doing in publicising the efforts of the government to ensure food availability for the citizens, Dr. Ogunbiyi, however called for more support from the media to inform the people of opportunities the government was providing to improve the productivity of the farmers.
Accoding to him, “Immediately I assumed duties as the permanent secretary, I made a prouncement that the ministry would be embacking on operation empty the stores to ensure that all the equipment and other items inside the stores are made available to farmers.
“The Ministry recognizes the importance of effective communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing in achieving our lofty objectives.
“There is therefore, the need to mobilise, educate and sensitize the Nigeria populace on the need to embrace agriculture.”
In one of the presentations at the workshop, the National Project Coordinator of National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-pocket Project (NAGS-AP), Ishaku Buba, said the Federal Government is targeting to generate N1.25 trillion from wheat production in 2025.
The National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-pocket Project is a platform aimed at increasing food security through the distribution of subsidised agricultural inputs to registered farmers nationwide.
He said the wheat production programme for the 2024/2025 dry season had been launched across 16 wheat-producing states, with a target of reaching 280,000 farmers.
He noted that over 279,000 farmers have already been reached, with an estimated yield of 837,891 metric tons.
According to him, “We are looking at a significant boost in wheat production, and the expected output will generate revenue exceeding N1.25 trillion.”
Other speakers at the workshop includes, the Director, Federal Department of Agriculture Extension Services, Director, Federal Department of Rural Development and a representative of the Director, Mechanization
In his welcome address, the Director, Department of Information, Dr. Joel Oruche commended the correspondents for their support for the ministry, noting that at every critical moment, they had risen to the occasion.
While acknowledging that the ministry has enjoyed their overwhelming support; which he said it has not taken for granted, he however noted that the need for a stronger partnership with the media this time around, has become imperative given the premium the present administration has placed on food security.
In his words, “Essentially, as we make effort towards ensuring food security in our dear country, it is important that we forge a strong synergy to ensure that this is achieved. Your duty in this regard is to continuously educate the public on the policies, programmes and activities of the ministry that impact on farmers. Small holder farmers indeed depend on your ability to educate them on methodologies, inputs availability and application of implements that can enhance their yield.”
In his vote of thanks, the chairman of Agriculture Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ACAN) Mr. Collins Nnabuife, thanked the ministry for the cordial relationship that exists between it and ACAN. While promising that ACAN members will not relent in their commitment to promoting activities of the ministry to ensure achieves food security, he appealed to the ministry to always carry the Association along in its plans and programmes.