Kyari meets stakeholders to address gaps Second phase focuses on rice, maize, cassava
the participating states,” Kyari said, adding that “as we look forward, it is imperative for us to tackle some of the challenges observed during the ongoing Wheat Dry Season Farming in the 15 participating states, avoid re-occurrence in the second phase for Rice, Maize and Cassava and ensure that they do not impede our agricultural development agenda.
“We are dedicated to implementing stringent measures in the forthcoming Dry/Wet Season Farming for rice, maize, and cassava, to ensure transparent distribution and target genuine farmers. Collaboration with states, local governments, traditional rulers, local farmers’ associations, NGOs and relevant MDAs will be crucial in achieving the desired objectives,” he stated.
According to sources from Niger and Yobe states, many farmers - especially those without a history of growing wheat - sold the input they received via the program to agro-dealers and used the proceeds for purposes other than growing wheat - a development the ministry is aware of.
In an effort to halt the scenario and prevent a recurrence for the second phase of the plan, which focuses on rice, maize, and cassava, the ministry convened a meeting with the key stakeholders in the sector to examine the way forward.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Mr Wale Edun, and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu. The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, stated that the objective of the forum was to review the implementation of the 2023/2024 dry season wheat production and to chart a new course for the implementation of the second phase for rice, maize and cassava.
Sen. Abubakar Kyari stated that the project aside supporting farmers with critical farm inputs for the production of the priority crops will also provide institutional support for better