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By Chinyere Anyanwu, [email protected]
Mr. Riliwan Raji is the Chief Executive Officer of Dekoraj Integrated Ltd, an agricultural equipment and industrial company based in Lagos and Abuja.
His firm deals in modern farming set-up, farm automations and mechanisation, set-up and management, data analysis, training, among others.
In this chat with Daily Sun, he delves into the challenges bedevilling agricultural business in Nigeria, possible solutions, how to deepen mechanisation and leveraging modern technology to grow the sector.
Current challenges facing agribusiness in Nigeria
Challenges facing the agribusiness sub-sector in Nigeria are multifaceted, encompassing issues such as inadequate infrastructure, poor youth and women engagement, limited access to credit, unfavourable credit conditions, systemic corruption, extortion, fund diversion, foreign exchange instability, insecurity ravaging farmers, poor training, poor media engagement in information dissemination, old farming practices, wrong farmer data profiling, poor technological advancement integration, internal and deliberate exchange sabotage, fluctuating market conditions and foreign policies on importation without considering local reality and system.
Issues within the agricultural sector that require immediate attention and solutions
Specific issues within the agricultural sector that require immediate attention include inadequate irrigation systems, post-harvest losses, smart farming training and the need for improved and easy access to modern farming technologies and practices.
Role of private sector partnerships in addressing challenges faced by agricultural businesses in Nigeria
Private sector partnerships play a crucial role in addressing challenges faced by agricultural businesses in Nigeria by providing expertise, technology and capital. These collaborations can lead to innovative solutions and contribute to sustainable development that will boost agricultural productivity in Nigeria. In fact, it is the way to go if we sincerely mean real growth for Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
There is a thinking where some people believe anything that comes from government is a national cake; they pay poor attention to such. Secondly, the government implementation system is archaic, which makes the process of farmers’ support programmes fail. This system will continue to fail if the tactics is not changed.
We’ve successfully collaborated with private sector entities in the past, particularly in implementing precision farming technologies and establishing agribusiness value chains that improve efficiency and market access for farmers. We have sustainable tactics that will work and give the agricultural sector the real needed boost. This will boost agricultural productivity in Nigeria, not the usual paper projection and media propaganda; this system will get to real, sincere and passionate farmers.
Strategies for enhancing productivity and efficiency of agricultural practices
To enhance productivity and efficiency, we employ precision farming techniques, invest in modern equipment and provide training programmes for farmers to adopt best practices in crop and livestock management.
Your intended contribution to the overall development of the Nigeria’s agricultural sector
Dekoraj envisions contributing to the overall development of the agricultural sector in Nigeria through initiatives such as knowledge-sharing programmes, supporting small-scale farmers with affordable cutting edge tools and modern farming equipment, advanced post-harvest storage systems, smart farming and security equipment and participating in industrywide collaborations to address systemic challenges.
Policy changes and interventions needed to engender growth and sustainability in agribusiness
Policy changes, private sector support and government interventions are very beneficial to sustainable agricultural sector. Also, investments in rural infrastructure, internal road networks, consistent media orientation (dedicated national agricultural radio, TV shows, among others), streamlined access to credit for farmers and supportive policies that encourage private sector participation and innovation are the way to go.
Leveraging technology and innovation to tackle challenges in the agricultural sector
Our organisation plans to leverage technology and innovation by implementing smart farming practices, utilising real data analytics for decision-making and exploring advancements such as precision agriculture to optimise resource use.
Promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in agriculture
To promote sustainable practices, we engage in free youth farming training, affordable and smart farming equipment fabrication, waste reduction measures and promotion of eco-friendly agricultural inputs to minimise environmental impact, to help the government in understanding loopholes and corrective measures.
How to boost investment in the agricultural sector to ensure food security
To encourage more investment in the agricultural sector, government should create an enabling environment through supportive and sustainable policies, grassroots security network system that will help in tackling insecurity, create jobs, and drive public-private partnerships and initiatives that enhance the value chain. Private sector partnerships can contribute by bringing in expertise and investment.
Dismantling roadblocks to access to finance and market opportunities for small-scale farmers
Issues such as access to finance and market opportunities for small-scale farmers can be addressed through partnerships with financial institutions; single digit loan for agricultural businesses with long repayment time; Ministry of Agriculture’s disbursement of loan through commercial banks, government post-harvest market (digital and offline markets), capacity-building programmes, and establishment of market linkages to enhance the profitability of smallholder farmers.
Long-term goals and aspirations of Dekoraj Integrated Ltd in contributing to the growth and development of Nigeria’s agricultural sector
Our long-term goals include contributing significantly to the growth and development of the agricultural sector in Nigeria by fostering sustainable practices, improving farmers’ livelihoods and playing an active role in shaping policies that promote the sector’s overall resilience and prosperity.
We will also come with various technological innovations and workable systems for our country, in addition to creating realistic and sustainable business proposals for individuals, private and public sectors, creating unique agricultural mechanisation and automation system for good return on investments for investors in agriculture.
