By Grace Samuel
In 2024, Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, has vowed to tackle the issue of escalating food prices in Nigeria.
Recognizing the substantial increase in the cost of food commodities, particularly during the festive period due to inflation, Kyari addressed the matter head-on.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported a staggering food inflation rate of 32.84% in November 2023, the highest since the establishment of democracy in Nigeria.
In a joint statement released on Monday by Kyari and the State Minister, Aliyu Abdullahi, the Agriculture Minister commented on the rising trend, affirming, “We have received numerous complaints from citizens about the exorbitant prices of food items and the diminishing purchasing power of the people during this festive season.”
Kyari emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing long-term, high food inflation, acknowledging that factors such as currency rate volatility, infrastructural constraints, and transportation costs affect food affordability, particularly for imported items.
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The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is actively increasing domestic production of staple crops. The initiation of dry-season farming in November 2023, focusing on wheat, rice, maize, and cassava, has accelerated this effort.
“We hereby urge farmers to persist in following the knowledgeable counsel provided by Extension Service Agents,” Kyari stated, emphasizing the importance of expert guidance in boosting agricultural output.
The ministers outlined their goals for the year, including formalizing protocols for cultivating uncultivated arable land owned by federal establishments. This initiative aims to significantly enhance agricultural output in safer settings.
Additionally, the ministers plan to reform the Bank of Agriculture, facilitating legitimate farmers’ access to loans at reasonable rates. Increased insurance coverage for participants in the agriculture and food security sectors is also on the agenda.
“We also intend to boost aquaculture, agro-forestry, poultry, and related businesses, along with animal husbandry,” the ministers affirmed, emphasizing diversification within the agricultural sector.
Encouraging everyone involved in agriculture and food security to seize the opportunities of the new year, the ministers highlighted plans for both dry and wet season farming. With these strategic initiatives, the government aims to alleviate the burden of high food prices and enhance the overall food security situation in Nigeria.
