In a significant move to bolster its agricultural sector, the Federal Government of Nigeria has secured a 12 billion Japanese Yen (N123.2 billion) credit facility from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This funding aims to drive sustainable and resilient agriculture under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP).
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, announced this development during a meeting with JICA’s Economic Development Department, led by Director General, Mr. Takao Shimokawa, in Abuja. “This loan will be instrumental in enhancing rice seed quality, improving farm input delivery, strengthening extension services, and increasing private sector involvement in agricultural input production,” stated Sen. Kyari.
The initiative places particular emphasis on the rice seed production project, based at the National Cereal Research Institute (NCRI) in Badeggi, Niger State. “We will do our part under the technical cooperation with NCRI and include the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) to add value to the seed ecosystem,” Sen. Kyari explained. He highlighted the strategic importance of developing high-yield, disease-resistant rice varieties capable of withstanding climate variability.
Empowering Smallholder Farmers Across 14 States
The project extends beyond seed enhancement, focusing on knowledge dissemination through the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) project. This initiative, spanning 14 states including Nasarawa, Benue, Osun, and others, aims to empower smallholder farmers. “Our partnership on market-oriented agriculture promotion with JICA…will serve as a bridge between research and practice, ensuring farmers are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive,” the Minister added.
Leveraging technology is a core component of the plan. “We will leverage technology to enhance extension services, using mobile applications to provide real-time information on weather patterns, market prices, and pest outbreaks,” Sen. Kyari emphasized. This approach aims to enable farmers to make informed decisions and adapt swiftly to challenges.
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Commitment to Food Security and Collaboration
“Implementing emergency food security measures, enhancing rice seed quality, and expanding extension services are not just initiatives; rather, they are commitments to the future of our communities and nation,” Sen. Kyari stated. He commended JICA for its long-term strategic partnership, recognizing its four decades of contributions to Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abdullahi Sabi Aliyu, echoed these sentiments, reiterating JICA’s unwavering support. “The seed issue is very key because President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has always said, ‘Plant the right seed, then you can feed the entire nation, so seed is key to our food security problems,’” he stressed.
Mr. Takao Shimokawa, Director General of JICA, expressed gratitude for the enduring collaboration and reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to Nigeria’s economic prosperity and food security. “Today, I take advantage to report the recent progress of JICA assistance…announcing that the first disbursement of the loan was paid yesterday,” he revealed. He also highlighted JICA’s dedication to enhancing rice production in Nigeria, noting ongoing efforts to provide essential machinery.
This significant investment signals a pivotal step towards achieving sustainable agricultural growth and food security in Nigeria, promising to positively impact millions of farmers and consumers across the nation.
