By Abdullahi Lukman
The federal government has invested more than N200 billion in agricultural initiatives aimed at achieving food security and self-sufficiency, Agriculture Minister Senator Abubakar Kyari announced following a visit by the Gambian Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Dembal Sabally, to Abuja.
Kyari highlighted that since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office in 2023, the administration has prioritized transforming the agricultural sector through interventions such as free fertilizer distribution, mechanization, and technology adoption to make farming more attractive and commercially viable, especially for young people.
Significant progress has been made in key crops, with Nigeria halting wheat seed imports by 2024 thanks to improved local seed varieties developed by research institutes, resulting in the cultivation of nearly 500 metric tons of wheat.
The minister also acknowledged challenges in rice production but praised the Out-Grower Scheme for providing crucial short-term support to smallholder farmers.
Dr. Sabally commended Nigeria’s agricultural transformation, noting Gambia’s heavy reliance on rice imports—over 80%—and expressed interest in adopting Nigeria’s rice production strategies, including rice mills, irrigation models, and the Out-Grower Scheme.
He requested Nigeria’s assistance by assigning a Rice Ambassador to support Gambia’s efforts.
The visit concluded with the presentation of key policy documents and a commemorative plaque to the Gambian minister.
Other attendees included Nigeria’s Minister of State for Agriculture, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, senior ministry officials, and development partners.
