In an effort to address the challenges encountered during the inaugural phase, the Federal Government is revamping the implementation guidelines for the second phase of Dry Season Farming.
This decision aims to rectify previous glitches and enhance efficiency in the upcoming phase.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, announced the overhaul during a meeting with governors from Kwara, Taraba, Ondo, and Kogi states in his office.
The delegation included AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, also the chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum, Dr. Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, and Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State.
Senator Kyari hailed the governors’ visit as a significant endorsement of the collaborative efforts between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and State Governments.
The overarching goal is to revolutionize Nigeria’s agricultural sector, ensuring year-round production to mitigate food inflation, boost employment, alleviate poverty, stimulate economic growth, and foster inclusivity.
Amid preparations for the second phase of the Dry Season Food Production Programme under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NASG-AP), Senator Kyari dispatched Expression of Interests to all 36 states and the FCT.
The response has been encouraging, signalling a collective commitment to agricultural advancement.
The revamped guidelines for the second phase entail the establishment of NAGS-AP State working Committees chaired by the Executive Governor or their appointee.
These committees will oversee various aspects, including the redemption of tokens for agricultural inputs and the eradication of malpractices such as portfolio farming and substandard input distribution.
Highlighting the significance of the upcoming phase, Senator Kyari emphasised its nationwide coverage, unlike the initial phase limited to 15 states.
He urged governors to ensure optimal state readiness for cultivating rice, maize, and cassava, underscoring criteria such as prepared land availability and genuine farmer involvement throughout the production chain.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State lauded the Minister’s proactive leadership, heralding a new era of cooperation between states and the Ministry of Agriculture.
He pledged unwavering support, citing the collective goal of providing sustenance and alleviating poverty among Nigeria’s populace.
