By David ADUGE-ANI

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has disclosed that the Federal Government has so far invested over N200 billion in agricultural interventions and distributed fertilisers worth N2.15 million to farmers nationwide.

Kyari made this known during a courtesy visit by a Gambian delegation led by the country’s Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security, Dr. Demba Sabally, to his office in Abuja.

He noted that the ministry is also embracing mechanisation to transform agriculture into a business and reduce the drudgery associated with traditional farming.

“The Ministry has invested over N200 billion in interventions and has also distributed fertilisers worth N2,150,000 free of charge to support farmers nationwide.

“We also felt the need to adopt mechanisation to make agriculture more business-oriented and less labour-intensive,” he stated.

Kyari revealed that in 2023, the ministry provided farmers with imported wheat seeds, but last year no seed was imported as local seed production improved significantly. This enabled the cultivation of nearly 500 metric tonnes of wheat through various research institutes and agencies under the ministry.

A statement by the ministry’s Chief Information Officer, Mrs Eremah Anthonia, noted that despite challenges, the government has remained committed to achieving food sufficiency through partnerships with development agencies such as the FAO and World Bank.

Kyari also recalled that upon assuming office in 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency on food security and renamed the ministry from “Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development” to “Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security” — a move aimed at addressing food insecurity caused by climate change, COVID-19, flooding, and other factors.

He commended the Gambian government for seeking partnership with Nigeria to enhance food production and economic growth.

In his remarks, Dr. Sabally praised Nigeria’s success in rice production and noted that Gambia still imports over 80% of its rice, a challenge they hope to overcome.

He said his team had toured rice mills and irrigation sites in Kebbi State and intends to replicate Nigeria’s model back home.

Sabally highlighted Nigeria’s success with its out-grower scheme and commended its approach to post-harvest management, mechanisation, packaging, and rice trade.

He appealed for the appointment of a “Rice Ambassador” to guide their implementation process in Gambia.