The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has ventured into farming and agro-allied products, unveiling logo for an Agriculture initiative called ‘Defence Farms and Agro-allied Products’.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony on Thursday, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, emphasised the importance of commercial farming in addressing the nation’s food security challenges.
He said, “In Nigeria now, with our population of over 200 million, we cannot rely on subsistence farming. We must go commercial. And it is by expanding this that we can achieve that.”
Gen. Musa described the launch as a significant turning point in the nation’s pursuit of improved national security, noting that agriculture plays a crucial role in guaranteeing food security, which is essential for sustainable national security.
“This event is therefore a major turning point in our collective quest for improved national security. As we are all aware, the agricultural sector plays a crucial role in guaranteeing food security which is requisite for sustainable national security,” he said.
He further highlighted the challenges threatening food security in Nigeria, including climate change, environmental degradation, and conflicts in some parts of the country.
“Unfortunately, in recent years, the adverse impact of climate change, environmental degradation, and conflict across some parts of the country has continuously threatened food security with dire consequences on national security,” he stated.
To address these challenges, the CDS said that the Defence Headquarters, in May 2023, conceptualized the Defence Farms and Agro-Allied Products initiative to align with the federal government’s efforts to tackle food security issues.
He also explained that the initiative is designed to create job opportunities, enhance rural infrastructure, and significantly contribute to food security in the country.
“Considering the extensive consultation, planning, and preparation made by the Committee thus far, I am optimistic that the Defence Farm and Agro-Allied Products initiative will have a positive transformative impact on host communities while enhancing national security. With similar initiatives replicated across the country.
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“I envision a future characterized by modernized farming techniques in which the agricultural sector significantly contributes to economic growth and national development. To this end, I enjoin all members of the Armed Forces and the general public to embrace this laudable initiative and maximize its associated gains,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Defence Farms Committee, Major General IM Abdullahi, said agriculture remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, with around 80 percent of the population identified as smallholder farmers producing over 90 percent of domestic output from just 33 percent of arable land.
He noted that crop production remains the dominant agricultural activity in the country, despite its vast and diversified cultural environment, which is fertile and rich in biodiversity with good rainfall patterns, conducive temperatures, and fresh water that can support various crops.
“The country has a vast, diversified, and cultural environment that is fertile and rich in biodiversity with good rainfall patterns, conducive temperatures, and fresh water that can grow and support almost any type of crop that exists in the world,” Abdullahi said.
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