The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with the Amana Farmers and Grains Supplies Association of Nigeria (AFGSAN) in order to drive food sovereignty, diversify the economy, and enhance the income of Nigerian farmers.
This assurance was given by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, during a courtesy visit by a delegation of AFGSAN led by its Chairman, Alhaji Haruna Ahmed Fanbeguwa, in Abuja.
Kyari noted that the Federal Government would provide the enabling environment, favourable policies, and access to capital and credit facilities to strengthen farmers’ activities within the agricultural ecosystem.
According to the minister, robust collaboration with farmers’ associations such as AFGSAN will ensure the success of agricultural reforms in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
A statement issued by the Head of the Department of Information, Ezeaja Ikemefuna, on Wednesday quoted Kyari as saying:
“We need the private sector, and you are the major drivers of the economy. The government provides policy and support for the private sector to thrive and ensure economic diversification.”
Highlighting ongoing initiatives, the minister disclosed that the ministry had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to establish an authentic farmer and farmland registry.
“We are going to implement the pilot phase in Nasarawa State, where we will identify farmland that is cultivated. You will see farmland that is cultivated and also the farmer cultivating that farmland,” Kyari said.
He emphasised the need for credible associations like AFGSAN to support the ministry in ensuring that only genuine farmers are registered.
“It will ensure that government interventions in the agriculture sector will get to the intended farmers, not farmers by name, but those who cultivate and produce crops for Nigeria,” he added.
In his remarks, Alhaji Haruna Ahmed Fanbeguwa, Chairman of AFGSAN, pledged that the association would continue to collaborate with the ministry in implementing projects that promote sustainable agriculture across the country.
Source: Authority News
