To enhance food production, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, announced that the Ministry has distributed over 2.1 million bags of fertilizer to farmers and provided food aid to communities affected by flooding.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of transforming Nigeria’s agriculture sector from one focused solely on feeding the population to one that generates wealth. Speaking at the 5th Meeting of the Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum in Maiduguri, Borno State, Senator Kyari emphasized that boosting productivity through research, climate-resilient seeds, soil health improvement, and smart agriculture is essential to this shift. He added that the Ministry is working with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to develop a biometric-based farmer registration system.
“This innovative system will ensure that targeted interventions reach the right beneficiaries, fostering transparency and efficiency.” Senator Kyari’s dedication to agricultural development is poised to make a significant impact on Nigeria’s economy. The country’s agricultural sector holds vast potential, contributing approximately 87.6% of its total output, with crop production being the largest segment. In addition to this, the Minister is taking decisive action to address the challenges in onion production. He recently held an emergency meeting with the National Onion Producers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN) to address a concerning 40% potential shortfall in onion production for the season.
The crisis was primarily caused by the distribution of adulterated seeds to farmers. However, it was revealed during the meeting that a member of NOPPMAN was responsible for supplying the substandard seeds. The Minister praised the association for their quick action in identifying the culprit and handing them over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation and accountability.
Nigerians from all walks of life have applauded the Minister’s proactive approach, recognizing it as a clear demonstration of his steadfast commitment to advancing the country’s agricultural sector to new heights. As the seventh-largest onion producer in the world and the third in Africa, Nigeria’s agricultural strength is evident. The country’s onion production represents about 4.3% of global output, reaching an impressive 244,866 tons in 2020.
Onion farming has become a profitable business in Nigeria, with key production hubs located in Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Sokoto, Plateau, Bauchi, and Kebbi States. The Minister’s intervention is expected to further enhance onion production, strengthening Nigeria’s position as a significant player in the global onion market.
Nigeria’s agricultural sector holds tremendous potential, contributing approximately 87.6% of the country’s total output, with crop production being the largest segment. Experts believe the Minister’s efforts to promote smart agriculture, climate-resilient seeds, and soil health improvements will play a crucial role in the sector’s continued growth and development.
