FG Launches Dry Season Cropping Initiative to Curb Soaring Food Prices
Hauwa Ali
To combat rising food prices across Nigeria, the federal government has announced plans to distribute high-yield seedlings for dry season farming.
This initiative aims to boost agricultural production and stabilize the country’s food supply amid mounting inflation and supply chain disruptions.
The decision was unveiled following a high-level meeting held in Abuja between the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, senior officials from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and Flour Mills of Nigeria. During the meeting, stakeholders outlined immediate strategies to strengthen food production, focusing on the distribution of enhanced seedlings that can thrive in Nigeria’s dry season.
In a statement released by Mr. Mohammed Manga, Director of Information and Public Relations of the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Edun emphasized that the effort is part of the government’s broader plan to transform the agricultural sector.
“This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is designed to revolutionize Nigeria’s agricultural output,” Edun said.
The meeting centered on accelerating the implementation of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme – Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP), a program designed to enhance farmers’ access to inputs and boost productivity. The dry season cropping strategy is seen as a critical step toward stabilizing food prices by increasing the availability of essential staples throughout the year, reducing dependence on rain-fed farming.
Mr. Edun expressed optimism about the collaboration between the government, private sector, and international partners like the AfDB. “This initiative is not just about providing seedlings; it’s about ensuring that the entire value chain, from farm inputs to market access, is strengthened to deliver quick and sustainable results,” he added.
With food prices continuing to rise, the government hopes this new effort will bring relief to households across the country and provide long-term solutions to Nigeria’s food security challenges.