By Faridat Salifu
The Federal Government says Nigeria is recording notable improvements in food production and food security, driven by ongoing agricultural reforms and intervention programmes across the country.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this while highlighting progress in the sector, noting that government efforts are beginning to reflect in increased agricultural output.
Kyari said the gains are linked to expanded support to farmers, improved access to agricultural inputs, and strengthening of key value chains across staple crops.
He noted that initiatives promoting mechanisation and modern farming practices are gradually boosting productivity in several farming communities.
According to him, interventions targeted at smallholder farmers have played a key role in increasing output, as they remain central to Nigeria’s agricultural production system.
The minister added that ongoing efforts to reduce post-harvest losses through improved storage facilities and logistics support are helping to stabilise food availability in some markets.
He also pointed to collaboration with development partners and private sector actors as a key factor in scaling agricultural programmes aimed at boosting domestic production.
Kyari said the government’s broader objective remains achieving food self-sufficiency and reducing dependence on food imports.
However, he acknowledged that insecurity in farming areas, climate variability, and high production costs continue to pose challenges to sustained growth in the sector.
