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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The $134 million (about N118.6 billion) loan secured by the federal government from Africa Development Bank (AfDB) last November, to enhance Nigeria’s grain production, is under threat. The money covers the production of maize, rice, wheat, sorghum and cassava.
Key challenges listed by stakeholders are; lack of experience among farmers, unreliable mobile networks in rural regions and difficulties in identifying legitimate farmers.
These obstacles, along with political interference and insufficient outreach to players within the ecosystem, jeopardise the loan’s potential to transform the agricultural sector and fortify the nation’s food security architecture.
Additional challenges that could impede the successful execution of the initiative include the failure to fully comply with the established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Operational Modalities (OMS) under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro Pocket (NAPS-AP). These protocols are essential for maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the programme. Compounding the issue is the insufficient awareness and outreach to farmers and other key stakeholders, leaving them inadequately informed about the programme’s objectives, processes and benefits.
These aforementioned impediments were disclosed by the Director of Mechanisation, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Engineer Onyeisi Joseph, recently in Abuja at a media parley with Agricultural Correspondents of Nigeria (ACAN) in Abuja recently.
Joseph, represented by a member of the Department, Sule Majeed, disclosed that the NAGS project was to increase total food production to curb the continued rise in the prices of agricultural commodities and make them affordable to the average Nigerian.
According to him, the second phase of the 2024/2025 dry season for rice production would be finalized for both Southern States from 1st January to February 2025, while the Northern States will commence from February 2 to March 2025.
He added that the project consisted of four components, namely — Agricultural Sector Reforms, which aim to operationalise the newly developed sector policy (NATIP) to ensure harmonised development efforts and tracking, leveraging resources.
According to him, the project will support the establishment of the requisite institutions at all levels to support the implementation of NATIP. These include: National Implementation Committee (NIC), Technical Working Committee (TWC), 36 State Implementation Committees, and 774 Local Government Implementation Committees (LGIC).
“Creation of administrative/NAGS secretariat to directly oversee the implementation of the Agro-Pocket Scheme. The day-to-day activities of the PBO will be coordinated by the National Project Coordinator (NPC) at the NAGS-AP project Secretariat.
“Improvement in the delivery of farm inputs and quality Extension Services under this component. Farmers involved in the cultivation of rice, maize, sorghum, soybeans, and cassava will be supported with quality agricultural inputs and extension advisory services to enhance productivity, food, and nutrition security.
“Support to wheat production under this component: 150,000 to 200,000 farmers will be supported with agricultural inputs to cultivate about 200,000 hectares of irrigable land across the wheat-producing States.”
He expressed concern that, “Major implementation challenges observed include inability of farmers to pay their own counterpart commitment, untimely response from states, lack of adequate capacity with some agro-dealers.
“Difficulty in generating a list of genuine farmers, poor or non-availability of network in some areas, interference from some state governments, non-actor players, and/or general interruption of the programme by some officials of state governments, political leaders, commodity associations, and groups, etc.
“Non-adherence to the aspects of the project Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)/Operational Modalities (OMS) and lack of adequate sensitization of the farmers and other stakeholders.”
He assured that despite the challenges, the scheme’s implementers are committed to establishing input markets strategically located near farmers, ensuring they have timely access to high-quality agricultural inputs in the right quantities. Also, the federal government promised to embark on Operation ‘Empty the Stores’ nationwide.
The government, through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, said foodstuffs and inputs, especially machinery, would not be stored to waste away while millions of Nigerians battle to secure loans to farm. He specifically explained that the initiative is to ensure that machines and other inputs are distributed to farmers instead of being left fallow in warehouses.
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He said, “We will be embarking on Operation Empty the Store. It means that all equipment we have in the store is not meant to be in the store; they are meant for service.
“Therefore, I will embark on emptying our stores nationwide so that the equipment and inputs will be useful to our farmers.”
He remarked that the government had completed numerous projects to enhance food security and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
“Examples of completed and ongoing projects demonstrate the Ministry’s commitment to improving the agricultural sector. Ongoing projects focus on leveraging technology and innovation to address the challenges faced by farmers and enhance their productivity,” he said.
He called on farmers to take advantage of the National Farmers HelpLine (NFHL), explaining that the NFHL offers toll-free call services through designated lines which provide real-time agricultural information and advisory services to farmers.
Founded by the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), the Permanent Secretary highlighted that the NFHL provides farmers with timely, valuable information to enhance crop yields and optimize farm management practices.
“The helpline ensures better market access and promotes sustainable farming practices.
By providing crucial support and guidance, he said, NFHL empowers farmers to make informed decisions and optimize their productivity. The National Farmers Help Line (NFHL) has had a significant impact on the agricultural sector.
“It has contributed to increased agricultural productivity by providing timely information and advice to farmers.
“The helpline empowers farmers through better farm management practices and improved access to quality inputs. The promotion of sustainable farming practices by NFHL ensures the long-term sustainability of agricultural resources.
“Enhanced stakeholder engagement through NFHL has led to more effective policy implementation and support,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Director of Agricultural Extension Services, Dr. Deola Tayo Lordbanjou, solicited the cooperation of the media for timely and useful information dissemination.
Lordbanjou stressed that without the media’s timely reportage, most Nigerians would be groping in ignorance regarding the plans of the government.
The Director said, “Media partnerships are crucial for promoting food security and sustainable agricultural practices. Collaboration with digital organizations and innovative platforms is essential.
“The media has the power to influence government and agricultural policies. Effective media partnerships can enhance the visibility of agricultural initiatives.
“Digital platforms enable real-time communication and information sharing. Social media channels engage farmers and stakeholders interactively.
“Educational content, such as videos and articles, can be widely shared. Digital campaigns raise awareness about food security issues and promote initiatives.”
