Minister Kyari reveals 180-day plan to mitigate Nigeria’s food crisis.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Federal Government has projected that the ongoing food crisis will diminish within the next 180 days. Sen Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, made this announcement via his social media platform on Wednesday, July 10.
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This declaration comes amidst widespread frustration over the prevailing hardship and hunger across Nigeria.
Kyari outlined comprehensive strategies intended to mitigate the crisis during this period:
- Implementation of Strategic Measures: The government has unveiled a series of measures aimed at tackling the high food prices affecting the nation. These initiatives will unfold over the next 180 days.
- 150-Day Duty-Free Import Window for Food Commodities: Duties, tariffs, and taxes will be suspended for the importation of essential commodities like maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas through land and sea borders. Imported food will adhere to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP), ensuring quality standards are maintained.
- Procurement Initiatives: The Federal Government plans to import 250,000 metric tons each of wheat and maize, which will be distributed to small-scale processors and millers nationwide.
- Agricultural Production Boost for 2024/2025: Support for smallholder farmers continues through the wet season farming, with efforts to enhance dry season farming. Agricultural mechanization will be accelerated to increase productivity and reduce costs. Collaboration with sub-national entities aims to expand irrigable lands and rehabilitate irrigation facilities.
- Focus on Youth and Women in Agriculture: Initiatives include greenhouse cultivation of horticultural crops and engaging military and para-military establishments in cultivating arable lands.
- Livestock Transformation: A National Livestock Transformation Implementation Committee has been inaugurated to prioritize livestock development, supported by the newly established Ministry of Livestock Development.
- Nutrition Security Enhancement: Initiatives include promoting fortified food production and scaling up the Home Garden Initiative.
Nigeria’s Food Crisis 180 Days
Kyari emphasized the urgent need for cooperation among relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of these measures.
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He highlighted President Tinubu’s commitment to achieving food security and vowed to swiftly implement policies to alleviate immediate food shortages while working on long-term solutions for sustainable food systems in Nigeria.
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