Food Security: Organic practices, others approved by council for 2025

The National Council on Agriculture and Food Security ( NCAFS) meeting chaired by the Agric Minister, Sen.Abubakar Kyari has approved along others the formation of national organic agricultural policy for 2025 food security program just as rural infrastructure to checkmate climate change challenges with other memos also passed for execution.

The approvals were read in a communique at the 46th NCAFS to conclude the meeting in Calabar, Cross Rivers State last year November.

The Minister, Sen. Abubakar Kyari said the decisions taken were geared towards addressing the challenges of climate change, food insecurity and agricultural sustainability adding they would better shape the future of the sector's policies with more resilience to our nation's food security especially in the eating of more healthier foods from organic farming.

Other notable approvals include cooperatives formation for over 300,000 youths and women to enhance leather productivity along the value chain across the nation just as same applied to rubber plantation and tiger nuts in all the producing states.

The council ordered that some of the approvals that are more related to the Federal Livestock and Marine Ministries respectively be handed over to them for executions.

Read part of the communique " 

Notable approvals included:

Formation of Cooperatives: The establishment and funding of specialized cooperatives to enhance leather processing, value chain development, and export programs across the country.

Disease Control Programs: Approval for a National Prevention and Control Program for Brucellosis and the integration of rodent control measures into Nigeria’s National Pest Management Program.

Agricultural Extension Services: The revitalization of Nigeria’s agricultural extension services, leveraging the Agricultural Development Project (ADP) model for more effective service delivery.

Strengthening of Food Security: A commitment to enhancing the synergy between Federal, State, and Local Governments to fully implement the Buffer Food Reserve program, aimed at ensuring national food security.

Livestock and Aquatic Animal Health: The establishment of a National Aquatic Animal Disease Diagnostic Centre and the creation of a National Action Plan for Meat Transportation, which aligns with international best practices for livestock management.

Fertilizer and Agro-Chemical Laboratories: The creation of reference Fertilizer and Agro-Chemical Laboratories in Abuja and across six geopolitical zones, aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s fertilizer quality control and regulation systems.

Financial Incentives and Support: The facilitation of an increase in the Central Bank of Nigeria's NIRSAL Credit Risk Guarantee (CRG) from 30% to 50% for plastic crates to help reduce post-harvest losses and improve the safety of vegetables during transportation.

Value Chain Revitalization: The revitalization of the cotton value chain in states like Zamfara, aimed at creating jobs and generating revenue through improved cotton production systems.

Promoting Gender Equality: Approval for integrating gender considerations into climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, specifically focusing on Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Postharvest Infrastructure Investment: A call for greater investment in postharvest infrastructure, supported through public-private partnerships, to enhance food preservation and reduce waste.

Rural Development: Approval for additional funding to the Department of Rural Development to implement infrastructural projects in rural communities, contributing to rural economic growth and agricultural productivity.

Strategic Initiatives for Sustainable Agriculture

A central focus of the meeting was the approval of several long-term strategic initiatives to ensure the sustainability of the agricultural sector:

Development of Rubber and Tiger Nut Value Chains: The establishment of large-scale rubber plantations across rubber-producing states and the promotion of the tiger nut value chain to enhance Nigeria’s agricultural exports.

National Fertilizer and Agro-Chemical Policies: Council approved the formulation of a National Organic Agricultural Policy and the finalization of the review of the National Fertilizer and Agro-Chemical Policy, ensuring a more sustainable approach to agricultural inputs.

Promotion of Organic Agriculture: The Council emphasized the need for the promotion of organic farming to support healthier food options and improve food security.

Soil Health Card Scheme: A nationwide implementation of the Nigerian Farmers’ Soil Health Card Scheme, which aims to improve soil fertility and enhance climate resilience.

Irrigation Infrastructure: The promotion of all-year-round farming through enhanced irrigation infrastructure, with state governments urged to provide necessary support to complement federal efforts"

The 46th NCAFS meeting concluded with a unanimous resolution that the 47th meeting will be hosted in Kaduna State.