FG Unveils Agric Policy, Gets $55m US Support

The Federal Government, on Friday, unveiled the new National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy 2022-2027 to guide and enhance agribusiness activities across the country.

At the unveiling of the policy document in Abuja, the United States Agency for International Development announced that the US Government would provide $55m to support Nigeria in mitigating the effects of global food crisis.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mahmood Abubakar, said the initiative would enhance the adoption of new technologies by small-scale farmers to boost food production for local consumption and export.

He said, “The focus of the new NATIP 2022-2027 is premised on the 10 thematic areas of stakeholders synergy and alignment, knowledge creation and transfer, rapid mechanisation, agricultural development fund establishment, extension service delivery revitalisation and livestock development.

“Others are priority crop value chain strengthening, fisheries and aquaculture, marine and inland fisheries development, market development, and agricultural lands and investments partnership.”

Speaking on the support of the US Government, the Deputy Mission Director, USAID, Sarah Werth, said the NATIP came at a critical time as Nigeria and the world were facing the worst food security crisis ever seen in years, stressing that food, fuel and fertiliser prices had risen sharply over the last years.

She said, “The Russian invasion of Ukraine has exacerbated the issue and we are now seeing indications of a global food crisis. To that end, President Joe Biden has committed $2.76bn in US Government funding to address the global food crisis.