FG to partner with IFAD, AfDB, IsDB in Enhancing Food Production.
By Abdullahi Jalalalluden
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its determination in partnering with relevant stakeholders , aimed at enhancing food production for domestic and export usage.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Senator Abubakar Kyari disclosed this during a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone Program (SAPZ) Organized by the federal ministry of agriculture in collaboration with IPAD, and IsDB held in Kano.
Represented by the Director Projects Coordinating Unit of the Ministry Mr Musa Bukar, the Minister said the implementation mission of the FGN/IFAD Special Agro-Industrial processing zone SAPZ Program was meant to support the development of the program in enhancing high food production.
He said the program would help in creating Agro Industrial Hubs, and Agricultural Transformation centers through the provision of support infrastructure , policy regulatory incentives for the private sector, which is led by African Development Bank and Islamic Development Bank.
The Minister Noted that the FGN/IPAD programme specifically targets rural women and youth, stressing that the program would also ensure social inclusion , and provide opportunities for participation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) and PWDs among others.
In his remark governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State represented by the commissioner for planning and Budget Alhaji Musa Shanono said Kano being among the Eight States carefully selected for the implementation of the first phase of the program would accord all the needed support to achieved the set objectives.
” as Indicated , the primary objectives of the SAPZ is to transform the Nigeria Agricultural sector into a more competitive advantage by eliminating the supply side constraints, My Administration has ordered the rehabilitation and renovation of the previously established institution created during the administration of Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso , which includes poultry, livestock, fisheries, irrigation, farm mechanization and Entrepreneurship development institutes “
Earlier the Country Director, IFAD Nigeria Mrs Dede Ekoue said the International Fund for Agricultural Development remain steadfast to supporting sustainable agricultural development, rural and food systems transformation.
“in line with the national priority of Agri-food system transformation and the presidential emergency declaration on Nigeria’s food security with the National priority of Agri-food transformation , IFAD confirms it’s commitment to support the smallholder farmers to drive food systems transformation.
” we call on strong collaboration among stakeholders including but not limited to federal government, state government, farmer organizations, private sectors, financial institutions, youth and women groups “.
