By Grace Samuel
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, has disclosed that the federal government aims to achieve year-round cropping in both dry and wet seasons, to enhance food production.
The minister made the disclosure last weekend while addressing reporters in Abuja.
He said rice, maize, cassava, sesame, soybeans, sorghum, and other staple crops are the focus for year-round cropping.
He also highlighted that wheat was the main crop of focus in 15 of the 36 states during the last dry season.
However, the minister emphasized government’s strategic work plan, which includes immediate, short-term, medium-term, and long-term timelines to rapidly develop Nigerian agriculture.
“The aim is to achieve continuous cropping throughout the year in both the dry and wet seasons,” he said adding that government’s goal is to boost production and productivity in agriculture, focusing on value addition to the produce.
In addition, the agriculture minister noted that the Federal Government is gradually introducing mechanization into agricultural production by collaborating with reputable agricultural equipment manufacturers from around the world.