FG launches joint committee on food security and inflation

The Federal Government has announced the establishment of an Agriculture and Water Resources Joint Action Committee to tackle food security and inflation challenges. Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture, revealed this at the National Youth Convention in Abuja on Thursday. The event was organized by the Nigerian Women for Agricultural Progressive and Development Initiative.

Abdullahi noted that the committee aims to support President Bola Tinubu’s food security goals. He explained that the ministry has begun implementing dry-season farming to address the limitations of relying solely on a six-month growing season. The initiative is intended to promote year-round farming by leveraging the country’s abundant water resources and numerous river basin development authorities.

He said, “We have approved the Agriculture and Water Resources Joint Action Committee to focus on food security and enhance dry-season farming across river basins. The goal is to facilitate collaboration between ministries and river basin authorities, integrate agricultural expertise, and improve farmer livelihoods while encouraging youth and private sector involvement.”

The minister added that the Ministry of Water Resources will contribute its assets, including water resources and technical expertise, to support the initiative. The partnership will provide essential seeds, inputs, and farm machinery. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to address constraints faced by farmers to fully utilize these resources.

Abdullahi acknowledged recent flooding in several states as a climate change challenge and emphasized the importance of dry-season farming to better manage water and crops. He concluded by highlighting that the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda is focused on the future, particularly the younger generation.