The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has announced its intention to remove unverified individuals posing as portfolio investors from the farmers’ register.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, shared this plan during a meeting with Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, at his Abuja office. Kyari emphasized the importance of collaboration with state governments for the successful implementation of the Federal Government’s objectives.
“We are committed to exceeding Mr. President’s target by providing 500 hectares of arable land this year. Our first step is to collaborate with states and local governments to compile a genuine and verifiable list of farmers,” Kyari stated.
He also highlighted the need for a taskforce team, involving both federal and state authorities, to ensure the success of the program. The team would address issues such as land tripping, data verification, and challenges faced by farmers in contributing to the initiative due to economic constraints.
Governor Radda expressed support for the initiative and pledged to distinguish politicians masquerading as farmers from genuine agricultural practitioners. He stressed the significance of establishing a comprehensive data bank to streamline input distribution and targeted interventions for farmers in Katsina State.
“Without accurate data, it is impossible to identify genuine farmers. In Katsina State, we have successfully separated politics from agriculture, ensuring that resources are directed towards real farmers,” Governor Radda explained.
Discussing his efforts, the governor mentioned ongoing discussions with consultants to create a state-specific data bank. This initiative aims to improve the distribution of inputs and facilitate interventions based on the specific needs of farmers. Governor Radda also advocated for a regional approach to development, seeking added value through collaborative efforts, as demonstrated during a recent visit to the African Development Bank.
