Northern States To Benefit From 500,000-Hectare Farming Project – FG

States participating in the Federal Government’s 500,000-hectare farming project will cultivate crops strategically chosen for their competitive advantage, according to a statement from the Presidency on Friday.

Mr. Temitope Ajayi, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, spoke to journalists, emphasizing that the program would engage farmers primarily in northern states, where agricultural activities are prevalent.

“We have allocated 120,000 hectares for dry season wheat farming in Jigawa. Each state will actively participate, focusing on crops that align with their strengths. The emphasis is largely on northern states due to the significant agricultural activities in that region compared to the southern states,” he explained.

On July 13, 2023, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency on food security as part of the Federal Government’s intensified efforts to address food inflation following the removal of the fuel subsidy.

President Tinubu directed the inclusion of all matters related to food and water availability and affordability, as essential livelihood items, within the purview of the National Security Council. This directive included the immediate release of fertilizers and grains to farmers and households to offset the effects of the subsidy removal.

In his New Year address on January 1, 2024, President Tinubu pledged to enhance food security in the country. He reiterated the government’s commitment to cultivate approximately 500,000 hectares of farmland nationwide to combat hunger.

“I am well aware that the ongoing discussions have focused on the rising cost of living, with inflation exceeding 28 percent and an unacceptable high underemployment rate. To ensure consistent food supply, security, and affordability, we will intensify our efforts to cultivate 500,000 hectares of farmland across the country, focusing on crops such as maize, rice, wheat, millet, and other staples,” President Tinubu stated.

The President also disclosed that the implementation of the food security program had commenced in Jigawa State, with the launch of dry season farming on 120,000 hectares of land under the National Wheat Development Programme in November of the previous year.