By Samuel
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) has revealed its intention to partner with the Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited (NAFARLS) to boost agribusiness development.
NAFARLS, the agribusiness wing of the Nigerian Army, was established to help build Nigeria’s agronomy.
The proposed collaboration was ascertained by the Minister of Agriculture, Alhaji Sabo Nanono, who revealed in a statement that the synergy would reinforce the ministry’s drive toward achieving sustained food sufficiency.
The minister said this when he received a delegation from NAFARLS in Abuja, according to the release signed by the Assistant Chief Information Officer at FMARD, Mr. Ikemefuna Ezeaja.
Nanono added that he was optimistic that the partnership would have its root in agric mechanisation, research, and development of improved seeds, training of extension services workers, and food processing.
“Army has proven that it is not only involved in protecting the territorial integrity of the country but also active in the area of food security,” he said.
On his part, the Executive Director of NAFARLS, Brig. Gen. Maina Kadai said the agency’s current structure was designed to broaden its scope and mandate to cover ranching and agriculture to support the Federal Government’s policy on food security.
According to Kadai, NAFARLS is the premier and only Nigerian Army agricultural establishment,
He said it was established to build capacities of staff for the efficient deployment of modern agricultural techniques in conformity with global best practices.
Kadai further revealed that NAFARLS was also expected to generate revenue for the Nigerian Army (NA), feed the entire Army Corps and contribute to the national GDP.