The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari has disclosed that the federal government was committed to stamping out round-tripping in agro-inputs distribution in the country.
The minister who disclosed this on Thursday when he received the Governor of Ekiti State, Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji in his office said the Ministry is fully committed to addressing the issues of round-tripping and poor validation of farmers’ data.
According to him, “We are dedicated to implementing stringent measures in the forthcoming Dry/Wet Season Farming for Rice, Maize, and Cassava, to ensure transparent distribution and target genuine farmers.”
The minister said the ministry will collaborate with states, local governments, traditional rulers, local farmes’ associations, NGOs, and relevant MDAs in other to achieve the desired objectives.
“As we look forward, it is imperative for us to tackle some of the challenges observed during the ongoing Wheat Dry Season Farming in the 15 participating states, avoid re-occurence in the second phase for Rice, Maize and Cassava and ensure that they do not impede our agricultural development agenda” the minister said. “These challenges include reported cases of round-tripping in connivance with agro-dealers and poor validation of farmers’ data in parts of the participating states.
“We seek the support of all stakeholders in the agricultural sector to overcome the challenges and ensure a successful intervention despite time constraints. The second phase of the Dry/Wet Season Farming intervention is expected to commence this month, and we are determined to make it a success.”
Sen. Kyari who had earlier praised the Governor for the good work he is doing in the state, noted specifically the Ekiti State Youth in Agriculture Programme which he said is creating jobs and wealth for the teaming youths in Ekiti. “We are also delighted with your various interventions in provision of inputs for the farmers in the production of crops and other agricultural value chains alike,” he said.
He pleaded with the governor
I would also like to extend our profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support in our quest for food security in the country. The Ministry is focused on ramping up massive production of staple crops using technology and mechanization to achieve this goal. We are grateful for the support and guidance of Mr. President as we work towards a more food-secure Nigeria.
Responding, the Ekiti State governor, told the minister that his mission at the ministry was to seek assistance and support of the Federal Government to enable the state execute its agricultural projects which he said will not only ensure food security for the people, but also provide jobs for the citizens.