By Faridat Salifu
The federal government is to deploy drones to facilitate all-year-round farming activities to enhance agricultural production across the country.
Sen. Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, said during a recent briefing in Abuja that the the drones are among the advanced technologies to be integrated in the country’s agricultural production process.
Kyari revealed that drones will play a key role in enhancing efficiency across various stages of farming, from land clearance to harvesting and the application of pesticides and herbicides.
By speeding up these critical processes, drones will allow farmers to prepare land faster for the next planting season, facilitating continuous farming cycles.
This technological leap aims to improve the overall productivity of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, enabling farmers to meet the growing food demands of the country.
In addition to drone technology, the government is setting its sights on engaging Nigeria’s youth in agriculture through a newly planned youth farmers enrollment portal.
Set to launch on Friday January 17, 2025, in Abuja, the portal will offer grants and support to young people interested in pursuing careers in agriculture.
Kyari emphasized that this initiative is designed to shift the perception of agriculture from a subsistence activity to a profitable business, encouraging youth to see the sector as a viable career choice rather than a last resort.
As part of its youth-focused approach, the government will also collaborate with the private sector to promote mechanized farming and enhance the involvement of young Nigerians in the agricultural value chain.
“Agriculture is no longer just for sustenance; it is a business that can provide livelihoods,” Kyari said, highlighting the importance of creating an environment where young people can access the necessary tools, resources, and opportunities to thrive.
In conjunction with these efforts, Kyari acknowledged that the current level of support for smallholder farmers needs to evolve.
He maintained that simply providing traditional agricultural inputs is no longer sufficient, adding that a paradigm shift is required to encourage private sector investment and greater engagement from farmers, ensuring that agriculture becomes more financially viable and sustainable.
He said the government’s initiatives align with the broader goal of modernizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector through technological innovations, which will not only create jobs but also drive economic growth. END