By AgroNigeria
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Muhammad Sabo Nanono, has disclosed that Nigeria is in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in order to boost food production and ensure the creation of jobs in the agricultural sector.
Nanono made the revelation while addressing a USAID delegation led by the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, during their visit to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD).
According to the minister, Nigeria has a four-year strategic programme which aims to add value to agricultural products that would penetrate the international market.
This plan, he pointed out, includes the introduction of mechanized farming that would match-up with international best practices in food production, and the use of technology to add value to processing, packaging, and branding of farm produce.
He said, “The first priority is to feed ourselves, produce more and create jobs which will, in turn, reduce the huge burden of unemployment.”
“The need for capacity building is very critical in the food self-sufficiency towards achieving food security.
“We believe and are optimistic that the huge market and potentials available in the country remain paramount in this regard,” he added.
In her remarks, Leonard lauded Nigeria for being one of the fastest-growing economies out of West Africa and the world, adding that the country is to be reckoned with.
The ambassador expressed the agency’s readiness to co-invest in cash crops in the country including maize, rice, cowpea, and soybean.
