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To boost food production and ensure food security in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) will soon embark on 'Operation Empty The Stores' nationwide.
The operation will ensure that agricultural inputs and implements being kept unused in stores nationwide are brought out and distributed to farmers for their usage.
This was disclosed on Wednesday by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, while declaring open a One-Day Workshop Organised by the Department of Information for Agriculture Correspondents in Abuja.
The workshop was themed "Building strong partnership with the media for Food Security."
The Permanent Secretary said "It may interest you that the ministry will soon be distributing agricultural inputs and implements to all stakeholders. Arrangements are on and within the next couple of months, this will be done.
"And of course, immediately I resumed duties, I made a pronouncement that we would be embarking on 'Operation Empty The Store'. It means that all the equipment and other things that we have in the stores are not meant for the stores, they are meant for the farmers.
"And therefore, I will embark on empty all our stores nationwide. So that the equipment and inputs will be useful to our farmers." he added.
He charged journalists to channel their power towards sensitizing Nigerians to take a renewed interest in agriculture in order to ensure food self-sufficiency and development of Nigeria.
Noting that the workshop was strategically designed to foster a stronger collaboration between the Ministry and the media, he said the Ministry recognized the importance of effective communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing in achieving its lofty objectives.
"This workshop is a testament to our Ministry’s commitment to openness, transparency, and constructive engagement with the media. We recognize that a well-informed media is essential to promoting a better understanding of the agricultural sector and its impact on our nation’s development.
"This workshop has indeed become expedient, given the emphasis the present administration places on agricultural development and the priority it attaches to the attainment of food security, self-sufficiency in food and nutrition as well as staple commodities for export.
"The importance of Agriculture in our national economy cannot be over-emphasized, especially with the global economic challenges and the need for diversification of our economy. There is therefore, the need to mobilise, educate and sensitize the Nigeria populace on the need to embrace agriculture.
"I hope that this workshop will offer deeper understanding and wider knowledge of the activities, programmes and indeed the achievements of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. It is essential for us to let Nigerians and indeed the world know the efforts being made to achieve food and nutrition sufficiency thereby, stem hunger, starvation and malnutrition in our country." he stated.
In his welcome address, the Director, Department of Information in the ministry, Joel Oruche, while acknowledging the media's overwhelming support to the ministry, noted that there is need for a stronger partnership between the two parties.
This, according to him, has become imperative given the premium the present administration has placed on food security.
He said "Essentially, as we make effort towards ensuring food security in our dear country, it is important that we forge a strong synergy to ensure that this is achieved.
"Your duty in this regard is to continuously educate the public on the policies, programmes and activities of the ministry that impact on farmers.
"Small holder farmers indeed depend on your ability to educate them on methodologies, inputs availability and application of implements that can enhance their yield.
"I therefore urge you to as always, give wider publicity to all the ministry’s activities including those of its agencies."
The Director stressed that the ministry has made giant strides towards diversifying the country’s economy.
Shedding light on the Operation Empty The Stores, the Director, Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Services, Dr. Deola Tayo Lordbanjou, while presenting his paper, said that 50,000 farmers across Nigeria will be empowered from February ending with agricultural inputs and implements.
According to him, each state will have 1,500 beneficiaries in the farmers empowerment programme.
"We have all the inputs that can help farmers including sprayers, seeds, organic fertilisers, planters, motorized weeders among others."
He also disclosed that the National Electronic Extension Platform (NEEP) will soon be launched.
The platform, he said, is moving away the Ministry from analog to digital, and will serve as a transformative tool for improving communication and interactions between farmers and other agricultural stakeholders.
"Any one who wants to go into farming can easily access all the information needed on the platform."
The Director said that information on the platform is very comprehensive including offering data on the various varieties of fertilizers, crops and seedlings suitable for different areas of the country
"We are using the platform as a model for other African countries to follow." he stated
By keeping stakeholders informed, he said, the media will ensure that they are better equipped to support initiatives aimed at achieving food security and sustainable agriculture.
He also said that the media has the power to highlight the need for supportive policies that enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.
"Advocacy efforts often focus on improving market access for farmers and ensuring that smallholder farmers receive the support they need. Through media partnerships, these advocacy efforts are amplified, reaching a wider audience and garnering greater support.
"This can lead to significant policy reforms that benefit the agricultural sector and improve food security.
Disseminating Information
Accurate and timely information is essential for farmers to make informed decisions.
"The media provides valuable data on best agricultural practices, market trends, weather forecasts, and new technologies.
"By disseminating this information, the media helps farmers adapt to changing conditions and improve their productivity. Timely access to relevant information ensures that farmers can make decisions that optimize their yield and contribute to food security." he said
Other Directors of Technical Departments that made Paper Presentations during the workshop include Director, Federal Department of Rural Development, Director, Mechanization, and
National Project Coordinator, NAGS-AP