FG subsidise fertiliser for 6.5m farmers in Nigeria —Ogbeh

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh has stated that government subsidised fertiliser to 6.5 million farmers in Nigeria between 2016 and 2017.

Ogbeh, while briefing journalists in Abuja, on Thursday, at the World Food Day celebration noted that, “to ensure sustainable access, availability and affordability of quality food for all Nigerians, the 2016-2020 Green Alternative was initiated.”

He said government “provided 25% input subsidy contribution to 6.5 million farmers under the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme for private-managed fertiliser supply for wet season and the dry season farming across the various commodity value chain.”

“Agricultural Promotion Policy (APP) was articulated to achieve self-sufficiency and sustainable food security, reduce import dependence, stimulate agro-export, enhance wealth and diversify the economy.”

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He stated further that the Ministry had equally ensure the implementation of other areas of the Green Alternative Policy in a bid to strengthen extension services, “aid input delivery support, promote value addition and market access” among others.

According to him, “let me inform you that our primary focus in the agricultural sector is to ensure a virile foundation and certified seed regeneration system, establish commodity market corporations, reinforce the national grazing reserves programme, fund extension services at all levels, resuscitate the existing agricultural development projects, and re-position the existing agro-processing facilities in the country,” the Minister stated.