By George George Idowu
The Federal Government has taken steps to incorporate agricultural insurance into National Agricultural Growth Scheme Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP) program.
The idea aimed at mitigating agricultural risks and enhance food security.
NAGS-AP, a federal government intervention program for farmers, was launched during the 2023 dry season, focusing initially on wheat cultivation.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, announced this at a workshop on Wednesday in Abuja, where the implementation of the NAGS-AP program was discussed.
Abdullahi highlighted that the workshop was organized to educate stakeholders on the features and benefits of agricultural insurance for Nigerian farmers.
In his words: “We are gathered here to discuss and agree on incorporating agricultural insurance into the NAGS-AP program, which began with wheat cultivation during the 2023 dry season. So far, we have been fortunate with favorable weather, resulting in a bountiful harvest.”
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He emphasised that it is the government’s responsibility to protect the investments and interventions made through NAGS-AP, particularly in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), to ensure the sustainability and security of Nigeria’s local food systems amidst a growing population.
The minister noted that Nigeria is currently facing significant challenges posed by climate change, which threatens local food systems.
“It has become inevitable to integrate insurance as a key component of our NAGS-AP program to ensure sustainability and food security,” he added.
In her goodwill message, Folashade Joseph, Managing Director of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), stressed the importance of insurance for agricultural activities in both dry and wet farming seasons.
She reaffirmed NAIC’s commitment to partnering with stakeholders across various sectors to provide sound insurance and risk management expertise.
“This approach aims to reduce the risks facing agricultural ventures while improving national agricultural output and achieving food security,” Joseph stated.
Earlier, Ishaku Buba, National Coordinator of NAGS-AP, explained that the event was organized to expand the program’s scope by incorporating crucial segments like agricultural insurance, thereby enhancing its overall package to better serve farmers and other stakeholders along the production chain.
