Nigeria to Remove ‘Political Farmers’ from Database Ahead of Second Phase of Dry Season Farming
In a significant stride towards optimizing government-subsidized interventions in the agricultural sector, Nigeria’s federal government has unveiled plans to overhaul the farmers’ database, with a particular focus on eliminating the presence of “political farmers.”
The revelation came to light during a press briefing led by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, as part of an initiative to rebuild public confidence in governmental efforts.
Kyari stressed that the forthcoming second phase of dry season farming would exclusively benefit genuine farmers.
This initiative stems from concerns raised by the Bola Tinubu administration regarding the exploitation of agricultural policies by individuals associated with politicians but lacking genuine engagement in farming practices.
The preceding year marked the initiation of the first phase of dry season farming under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP) project, concentrating on 15 states known for wheat cultivation.
Building upon this foundation, the government is gearing up to cultivate an extensive 150,000 hectares of rice in the second phase, targeting 300,000 authentic farmers for various subsidized interventions, including fertilizers, herbicides, and micronutrients.
In a bid to enhance transparency and ensure the success of subsequent phases, Kyari revealed that a meticulous evaluation of the initial phase prompted the implementation of measures.
As part of these measures, farmers participating in the program will be entitled to receive three free bags of essential agro-inputs after purchasing half bags.
Furthermore, the minister unveiled plans to cultivate an additional 30,000 hectares of maize, spanning across all 36 states, with expressions of interest from some state governors in participating in the scheme.
The government’s overarching goal is to address food security concerns and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
To mitigate the impact of rising food prices and contribute to vulnerable households, Kyari confirmed the distribution of 42,000 metric tonnes of grains from national reserves, emphasizing that this distribution would be entirely free of charge.
In an effort to provide a comprehensive context for these agricultural developments, it is essential to underscore the broader strategy articulated by Information Minister Muhammed Idris.
Idris outlined a five-pillar agenda aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision.
This comprehensive agenda focuses on restoring trust, amplifying policies, reorienting national values, modernizing technology and talent, and creating an enabling environment for the media.
Elaborating on the strategy, Idris expressed the government’s unwavering determination to rebuild trust in public communications.
The emphasis is on fostering timely, proactive, and consistent engagement with stakeholders, encompassing government entities, the media, private sector, and the international community.
The Ministerial Press Briefing Series (MPBS) emerges as a pivotal element of this strategy, offering journalists the opportunity to engage directly with senior government officials.
Idris underscored the significance of the press briefing series in providing the press and, by extension, the public with firsthand insights into government policies, programs, targets, and objectives.
The initiative aims to enhance transparency and credibility by facilitating direct interaction, allowing journalists to pose questions and seek clarifications on critical issues.
As part of the broader communication strategy, the press briefing series will feature other ministers, presenting a diverse range of perspectives on the government’s efforts to stabilize the country and address pressing challenges.
The multifaceted approach adopted by the Nigerian government underscores its commitment to agricultural development, transparent communication, and public engagement.
The strides in overhauling the farmers’ database, coupled with ambitious plans for the second phase of dry season farming, exemplify a proactive stance towards addressing food security concerns and promoting sustainable agriculture.
The comprehensive five-pillar agenda further reflects a holistic vision, encompassing not only agricultural development but also broader societal goals aimed at fostering trust, transparency, and progress.
