Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to food security and sustainability for the state and the country at large.

He said this in an event to commemorate the 2024 World Food Day with the theme ”Niger State Agricultural Revolution: Solution to Hunger and Better Health” in Minna on Wednesday.

Mr Bago, represented by his deputy, Yakubu Garba, emphasised the need for collective efforts to combat hunger in the country and the world.

He noted that Nigeria’s economic realities, insecurity and climate change challenges have exacerbated food insecurity and threatened vulnerable populations.

“To address these issues, the state is leveraging its agricultural potential, focusing on 3 million hectares of arable land and 23 grazing reserves to drive productive agricultural production,” he said.

Mr Bago said the state had taken initiatives to enhance food security through climate-smart seed production, improved input availability and digital platforms for extension services.

Mr Bago said the state government had procured 1,000 John Deere tractors, 500 case tractors, 500 combined harvesters and 10,000 hand tillers for smallholder farmers.

He said the state had secured approval to establish a 3000-hectare zone at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna, and partnered with global business conglomerates to boost agricultural produce and ensure food security.

Earlier in his welcome address, Musa Bosso, commissioner for agriculture, acknowledged the current administration’s significant strides in agricultural development under the “New Niger Agenda.”

Mr Bosso, represented by Dr Matthew Ahmed, permanent secretary of the ministry, said the state had launched various programmes to lead other states in food production and security as well as surplus for export.

In a goodwill message, Dr Ladan Suleiman, state director, federal ministry of agriculture, said the federal government has supported over 20,000 farmers with various farm inputs and farming tools to boost food production.

In his remarks, Shehu Galadima, chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), urged farmers to provide the necessary support for achieving desired agricultural goals.

He emphasised the vast potential of the state water bodies, which remain underutilised, and advocated for dry-season farming to boost food production.

(NAN)