Nigeria: Why gov’t must focus on rice, maize, wheat, millet, sorghum

Published Jan 25, 2024

Tridge summary

Nigeria is grappling with a food availability crisis due to rising grain prices. The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) has urged the federal government to focus on quick maturing crops and diversify the agricultural sector. However, the ARCN pointed out challenges in extension service delivery, crucial for agricultural productivity, and called for more local and state government involvement. The failure of a farming outreach programme is blamed on inconsistent funding and the expectation that farmers will be self-sufficient in seed production. Professor Sharubutu suggests the federal government should support the programme and emphasizes the role of 'mega farmers' in assisting neighbours with weed and pest control.

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Original content

Since the challenges of COVID-19, Nigeria has continued to grapple with the problem of food availability which has forced prices of major grains beyond the reach of many citizens. Grains like maize and wheat, along with others which are also the lifelines of livestock feeds and household consumables, have continued to cost more, thereby triggering a crisis in the industries due to high prices. Many poultry farms were forced to close as a result of the cost crisis, which also caused millions of Nigerian farmers to become overwhelmed and lose their employment, as the cost of chicken and eggs shot beyond the reach of many people. With a growing population projected to hit 450 million by 2050, experts have advised the federal government to intensify effort in the production of major grains and cassava. The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), the coordinating body of all research institutes and federal colleges of agriculture, has advised the federal government on ...

Source: Daily Trust (ng)