FG develops farming App to improve agricultural practices

The Federal Government is creating a web application to educate farmers on optimal farming techniques for various crops, announced Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.

Addressing concerns about extension services, Abdullahi highlighted the critical shortage of extension workers relative to the number of farmers. He explained, “We recognize that the ratio of extension workers to farmers is insufficient, leaving many without essential information. Currently, we are developing an E-extension program, including an app available in major languages to guide farmers.”

Abdullahi also assured Nigerians of upcoming price reductions for commodities, attributing this to several government initiatives. He stressed the need to focus more on dry-season farming to complement the traditionally dominant rainy-season agriculture.

Responding to the Federal Government’s plan to import certain food commodities within the next 150 to 180 days, Abdullahi described it as a short-term measure to boost supply and reduce prices.

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Nigeria faces a severe food crisis, with food inflation reaching 40.87% in June 2024. International development organizations project that about 32 million Nigerians will experience severe food shortages between June and August 2024. Recently, the government announced duty-free importation of maize, rice paddy, and wheat for 150 days to stabilize market prices.

This decision has sparked criticism, with detractors arguing it undermines domestic production efforts. President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria and the African Development Bank’s President have both criticized the policy, insisting Nigeria cannot solve its food security issues through imports.