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Farming can relieve hardship, experts advise

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By Samuel Abimbola

The call is backed by practical and strategic reasons to enhance agriculture.

A former lawmaker and an agricultural expert have called on Nigerians to adopt farming as a sustainable means of achieving Economic Stability in light of rising Food Prices and economic hardship. The call, supported by practical and strategic arguments, resonates strongly with the nation’s potential agricultural capacity and the pressing issues related to its food supply. Over the years, the federal government has allocated over #1.25 trillion to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, aiming to enhance Productivity and stability in the sector.

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However, the rise in food prices suggests that more needs to be done to meet the growing demands and ensure food affordability for ordinary Nigerians. During a press conference, agricultural entrepreneur expert Timothy Ayodele emphasised that food prices remain high despite considerable federal funding, primarily because of the naira’s depreciation. The decline in the currency’s value has affected efforts to keep food accessible, stressing the importance of exploring internal resources and adopting sustainable practices. Ayodele further emphasised the significant advantages of engaging in agriculture for individuals and communities.

Agriculture is expected to create jobs and strengthen community resilience.

He discussed how farming, whether through small-scale home gardens or involvement in local agricultural efforts, can result in self-reliance and financial security. He believes community farming projects can supply fresh food, generate employment, and enhance community resilience. He promoted extensive involvement in farming to strengthen the economy, starting at the community level. In alignment with Ayodele’s perspective, Abidemi Ogunkanmi, previously the Deputy Chief Whip of the Osun State House of Assembly, encouraged young people to consider agriculture a practical solution to the ongoing economic challenges.

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During a Students’ Parliamentary Summit arranged by the Students’ Representative Council of the Federation of Ayedire Students’ Union, Ogunkanmi emphasised farming as an effective means to alleviate the pressures of increasing food prices. He emphasised that embracing agricultural methods could support many families financially, aligning with a long-term vision for an independent Nigeria. As the Economy faces challenges and food costs rise, Ogunkanmi’s call for self-sufficiency through agriculture resonated strongly, particularly with young individuals looking for stable income opportunities.

Overview of agriculture’s importance to Nigeria’s economy and livelihoods.

Meanwhile, the agricultural industry in Nigeria is vital to its economy, providing the main means of sustenance for most people. It engages about 70 percent of the workforce, making agriculture essential for the country’s economic health. However, despite considerable initiatives, the sector continues encountering challenges such as old farming practices, inadequate storage options, and high losses after harvest. These challenges affect efficiency, contributing to the increasing food costs people face. To tackle these problems, the public and private sectors must work together to improve the competitiveness of agriculture, especially for key crops like cassava and rice.

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Rice and cassava are highly lucrative crops in this nation, serving a potential domestic and regional market. It is Africa’s biggest rice consumer; however, most of the output comes from smallholder farmers. These farmers sell about 80 percent of their harvest and keep the rest for personal use. Similarly, they are the biggest cassava producers globally, contributing 20 percent to the international market, predominantly for domestic use. Nonetheless, insufficient mechanisation and poor storage infrastructures limit the crops’ full capabilities, causing significant waste and reduced competitiveness in the market.

Related Article: Developing Nigeria through agriculture

Animal farming is also a vital component of the region’s agricultural system. Currently, the local Livestock supply is insufficient to satisfy national needs, resulting in considerable imports of animal products. This dependency on foreign sources reveals potential for growth in domestic livestock operations, which could enhance Food Security and lower expenses. Ayodele’s appeal for the active involvement of Nigerian youths and community members in agriculture supports enhancing economic stability. By engaging in farming, Nigerians play a vital role in strengthening food Security and developing a more self-reliant economy. This perspective underscores the critical role of agriculture in offering thriving and financial possibilities, especially in times of financial hardship.

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