Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to implementing policies aimed at sustainably stabilising farm input prices as part of efforts to boost food production and ensure national food security.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, stated this at the end of a two-day working visit to Nasarawa State, where he inspected and inaugurated several agricultural projects.
Among the projects commissioned was a rice processing centre in Ashangwa village, Lafia Local Government Area of the state. The projects were implemented under the Federal Government’s Value Chain Development Programme, with support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development.
Senator Kyari said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is focused on building a strong and viable economy, identifying agriculture as a critical driver due to its vast and largely untapped potential.
He acknowledged ongoing concerns by farmers over the high cost of agricultural inputs and assured that the Federal Government is taking concrete measures to address the challenge.
According to the minister, efforts to reduce food prices would be unsustainable if farmers continue to contend with rising production costs.
Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the Value Chain Development Programme, Fatima Aliyu, said smallholder farmers in the nine states implementing the programme have transitioned from traditional to modern farming practices.
She noted that the programme is inclusive, with active participation from women, youths and persons with disabilities, contributing to increased food availability and stronger agricultural value chains, particularly in rice and cassava production.
In an interview, a beneficiary farmer group leader, Jonathan Joshua, said the programme has provided farmers with essential tools and inputs to improve the quality of rice production. He added that the minister’s visit has further encouraged farmers to intensify efforts towards increased food output.
RN
