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Expanding farmland: Key to Nigeria’s security, employment crisis
Nigerian agriculture remains fragmented, with farmers practising dispersed farming, hampered by limited access to essential inputs, inconsistent planting practices, and poor livestock management.
This disjointed approach is insufficient to propel Nigeria into the global agricultural spotlight, leaving the nation’s vast human and capital resources largely untapped.
In the country’s east, despite being overlooked, cultivation persists, driven by the urgent food needs of the population. Yet, the imperative to expand agricultural land and embrace large-scale farming cannot be ignored.
Such efforts are vital for creating jobs and addressing the security challenges that continue to plague Nigeria.
If Nigerians are actively engaged and productive in agriculture, it will not only solve nutritional problems but also contribute significantly to the country’s growth and development.
It will promote the export of agricultural products, bolster public interest, and necessitate that the government invest in large-scale food production. This, in turn, will ensure a steady supply of food across the country.
Meanwhile, various industries are clamouring for the raw materials needed for production, and the growing population demands lower food prices.
To achieve this, year-round large-scale cultivation practices must be encouraged, with a focus on ensuring profit-generating results that will stimulate continuous production and post-harvest processes.
Promoting Land Development and Modern Agricultural Practices
It is concerning that elderly farmers, using outdated technology and inadequate equipment, are the ones feeding the nation. This scenario makes it difficult to address the challenges posed by a growing population, rising food prices, and the harsh conditions for land development.
There is an urgent need to enhance agricultural output and provide the necessary value chains to develop the land, enabling the production of sufficient crops to feed the population. This also includes the development of agricultural sub-sectors such as livestock farming, agroforestry, and fishing and aquaculture.
Proper planning is crucial for expanding the lands farmed for both livestock and crops. Poor planning has turned large-scale agricultural expansion into a setback for many farmers. The current administration must establish the right framework to facilitate and promote this type of growth.
A comprehensive approach to full-time, large-scale production will help lower food prices nationwide. This is a clear call to action: to increase food availability, promote land cultivation, and develop various machinery that would boost output and aid in the expansion of the nation’s agricultural sectors.
Changing the mindset of the average Nigerian towards large-scale production is urgently needed. It is concerning that Nigeria struggles to focus on cultivating vast areas of land, despite its large population, extensive landmass, potential for human resource development, and access to advanced technology.
The government has a significant role to play in fostering the necessary mindsets and providing the infrastructure to support large-scale agricultural production. Establishing processing centres across the country is also critical to this effort.
Encouraging Interest in Crop and Livestock Production
It is essential to add value to agricultural production and involve the masses in its development. Additionally, there are buyers who can serve as trailblazers, acquiring products and promoting their use to counter harmful practices and foster agricultural development.
This will increase the supply of all types of agricultural output across the country and ensure consistent food availability throughout the year, despite seasonal changes.
Nigeria must redouble efforts in the mechanisation of agricultural sectors. It is concerning that the country continues to rely on food imports, under the assumption that this will alleviate food shortages, reduce prices, and improve availability in markets.
However, this approach is not a sustainable solution. The most effective strategy is to cultivate large tracts of land domestically. Support from both the government and private sector is crucial to guarantee land development, promote output across all states, and achieve large-scale cultivation.
Additionally, there must be a commitment to providing the necessary funding and resources to enable land development and support the growth of the agricultural sector.
Expanding Agricultural Education and Innovation
Furthermore, it is imperative to invest in agricultural education and innovation. Training the next generation of farmers in modern techniques and technologies will ensure that Nigeria’s agricultural sector is not only sustainable but also competitive on the global stage.
Collaboration with research institutions to develop and introduce improved crop varieties, pest-resistant plants, and efficient farming methods will further enhance productivity.
In conclusion, Nigeria has the potential to become a global agricultural powerhouse, but this can only be achieved through concerted efforts to modernise farming practices, expand land cultivation, and promote large-scale production.
The government, private sector, and individuals must work together to transform the agricultural sector into a driving force for national development.
Michael Adedotun Oke,
Project Facilitator, Talent Upgrade Global Concept, Michael Adedotun Oke Foundation, Plot 232 Kaida Road, Old Kutunku, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria
maof2020@gmail.com
+23408027142077