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Tag: Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

  • Ministry plans massive distribution of stored equipment, inputs to farmers

    Ministry plans massive distribution of stored equipment, inputs to farmers

    The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has revealed that it would embark on “operation empty the store”, which will involve massive distribution of agricultural equipment and inputs to farmers across the country.

    Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi,  disclosed this during a one-day workshop organised for members of the Agriculture Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ACAN) in Abuja.

    According to Ogunbiyi, the initiative seeks to ensure that tools and resources stored by the ministry are utilised effectively to boost food production across the country.

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    “We will be embarking on ‘Operation Empty the Store.’ This means that all the equipment and inputs in our stores, which are not meant to stay idle, will be distributed to farmers to help feed the nation,” he said.

    Highlighting the critical role of agriculture in addressing economic challenges and driving diversification, Ogunbiyi stressed the need to mobilize, educate, and sensitise Nigerians on embracing agriculture as a tool for national development.

    He also commended the media for their efforts in promoting public awareness and holding the government accountable.

    “We will share our vision, goals, and achievements in agriculture under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This agenda focuses on agricultural development, food security, job creation, and enhancing farmers’ livelihoods.”

    In his remarks, Director of the Department of Information in the ministry, Dr. Joel Oruche, emphasised the ministry’s broad mandate, which includes food security, employment generation, wealth creation, agribusiness activities, and rural development.

  • Fed Govt to transform wholesale markets

    Fed Govt to transform wholesale markets

    Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has unveiled a strategy to reshape wholesale markets and bolster food distribution network.

    This Strategic Plan for Development of Modern Wholesale Markets to Feed Cities and Structure Food Value Chain is a pivotal report to enhance food security and fuel sustainable economic growth.

    Speaking at the launch in Abuja, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, noted its potential to address Nigeria’s most pressing challenges.

    Key objectives include reducing post-harvest losses, minimising logistical costs, and alleviating traffic congestion in major urban centres.

    “With this plan, we are taking steps to secure and enhance food security, safety, and quality in Nigeria.

    “Our vision is to uplift farmers by increasing their income while creating thousands of new jobs across the agricultural value chain,” he added.

    The plan, he said, integrates informal and formal market structures to streamline connections between rural and urban markets, as well as linking production hubs in Kano, Ibadan, and Owerri.

    He said the integration would reinforce traditional markets while establishing a more modern, efficient food distribution system.

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    Abdullahi noted Nigeria is poised for a transformation in fresh produce distribution to urban centres, drawing inspiration from Rungis International Market in France.

    He noted the Nigerian approach would tailor international best practice to create a fresh produce network that meets our unique needs, supplying its six largest cities.

    At a subsequent investment meeting in Abuja, Abdullahi encouraged investors to support agricultural initiatives at the grassroots level.

    Responding, a French company investor, Semmaris, presented a proposal to design, build and operate food hubs on key corridors in Nigeria, creating an ecosystem for the agri-food industry.

    Abdullahi hailed the proposal, stressing that alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of local government autonomy was essential to empowering rural markets.

    National Coordinator of Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project, Aminu  Mohammed, noted the report’s key findings, analysis of food distribution networks, review of governance models, market development strategies, and a roadmap for setting up modern agricultural markets.