The Federal Government has announced the formation of the Agriculture and Water Resources Joint Action Committee, a strategic initiative designed to utilize the resources of both ministries to tackle the pressing issues of food security and inflation.
Aliyu Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture, revealed the initiative during the National Youth Convention in Abuja, organized by the Nigerian Women for Agricultural Progressive and Development Initiative. The new committee is part of a broader effort to support President Bola Tinubu’s food security agenda.
Abdullahi emphasized the necessity of dry-season farming, pointing out that relying solely on a six-month rainy season is inadequate to feed Nigeria’s population of over 200 million people. The partnership aims to encourage year-round farming by leveraging the country’s abundant water resources and river basin development authorities.
“We have established the Agriculture and Water Resources Joint Action Committee to address food security challenges and promote dry-season farming in river basins,” Abdullahi stated. “This collaboration will integrate agricultural experts with River Basin Development Authorities to enhance farmer livelihoods, increase production, and encourage youth and private sector participation.”
The committee will benefit from the water resources ministry’s assets, including water resources, land, and technical expertise, to provide essential seeds, inputs, and machinery for effective food production.
Addressing recent flooding issues as part of climate change challenges, Abdullahi noted that dry-season farming offers better control over water usage and planting conditions. He also highlighted the Renewed Hope Agenda of the president, which aims to focus on future growth and opportunities for the younger generation.
Credit: NAN (Text Excluding Headline)
