Efforts are underway by the Federal Government to address the issues of food security and inflation through the establishment of an Agriculture and Water Resources Joint Action Committee.
Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture, made this known during the National Youth Convention held in Abuja on Thursday.
The convention, organized by the Nigerian Women for Agricultural Progressive and Development Initiative, aimed to support President Bola Tinubu’s food security agenda.
In a bid to address the seasonal challenges in agriculture, Abdullahi mentioned the commencement of dry-seeding farming, highlighting the need for year-round farming practices to sustainably feed the country’s population of over 200 million.
He emphasized the importance of leveraging the country’s abundant water resources and river-basin development authorities for continuous farming to ensure food security and self-sufficiency.
Abdullahi stated, “We have established the Agriculture and Water Resource Joint Action Committee to focus on food security and expand dry-season farming across various river basins.
“Our strategy involves fostering collaboration between ministries, river basin development authorities, agricultural experts, and stakeholders to enhance farmers’ livelihoods, boost production, and engage youth and private sector players.
“The partnership with the Ministry of Water Resources brings expertise in water management, land use, and technical support, aligning efforts to provide essential resources like seeds, inputs, and farm machinery for sustainable food production.
“Currently, our efforts are concentrated on empowering farmers in these regions by addressing constraints and maximizing the benefits of the available resources.”
The minister acknowledged the recent flooding in some states as a consequence of climate change and emphasized the importance of promoting dry-season farming for better water and crop management.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to the future through the Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing youth empowerment and sustainable practices.
(NAN)