Stakeholders in the agricultural sector on Wednesday, began the review of the review of the national agricultural mechanisation policy document to ensure it is implementable once it passes through the National Assembly as a bill.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Temitope Peter Fashedemi, who was represented by the Director, Planning and Policy Coordination, Mr Ibrahim Tanimu at the stakeholders workshop on the review of the national agricultural mechanisation policy document lamented that agricultural mechanization in Nigeria is characterised by low and crude level practices.
He said the national policy in Agricultural mechanization aims to attain food security, livelihood security, and strong export–push and import substitution components.
The Permanent Secretary further noted that agricultural mechanization provides technological inputs and tasks that create, improve, increase and expand productivity through efficient, cost-effective and sustainable strategies.
Fashedemi also noted that successive governments have emphasized on selective mechanization through importation and procurement of tractors, implements and other farm machinery by the federal, states, local governments and other private sector with little or no control on the application of standards.
He however, said that the policy seeks to “create an enabling environment for mechanization development, build capacity for training, research and technology development, promote mechanization for increased productivity and providing quality assurance;
“Set goals and directions for present and future development and management of mechanization in the country, provide clear direction for sustainable growth and development of the agricultural mechanization sub-sector.
“Establish measures and guidelines which the government shall undertake to achieve optimal development of the sub-sector and from which laws governing its management shall be formulated.
Furthermore, the Permanent Secretary said that the proposed interventions will be supported by appropriate institutional, legal framework and stakeholders at all levels for successful implementation.
“The implementation of this policy will thus result in an enabling environment for vibrant agricultural mechanization activities and I am confident that this will lead to the realization of increased productivity, food security and increased farmer’s income as envisioned in the National Agricultural Technology Innovation Policy (NATIP) 2022-2027.
“The implementation of agricultural mechanisation policy will require active engagement of all relevant stakeholders including government institutions and private sectors. This will be complemented by institutional, legal frameworks when it is enacted by the National Assembly, which undauntedly will provide an enabling environment for speedy development of the mechanization sub-sector.
The policy will further seek to stimulate and guide agricultural mechanization development through intensified private sector led investment, improved research and technology, extension services and capacity building for service provider operators and farmer organisations, to ensure development and sustainability of the sub-sector,” he noted.
In his welcome address, the Director Federal Department of Rural Development, Frank Kudla identified agriculture as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, which employs a significant portion of the population and is essential to the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.
He noted that the traditional methods that have served the country well in the past now require a transformation to meet the demands of a rapidly growing population.
This transformation, according to him, hinges on the adoption of mechanization and innovation.
“Also, with the challenges of changing climate, urbanization, and an ever-increasing population, it is more critical than ever that we embrace innovation and mechanization in our agricultural practices”, Kudla noted.
Kudla said the workshop brings together a diverse group of stakeholders – from policymakers, agricultural experts, and industry leaders to farmers’ associations and development partners to review and refine the Draft Agricultural Mechanization Policy, a document that is hoped to serve as a guiding framework for the transformation of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
“This policy aims not only to promote the adoption of mechanized farming practices but also to empower our farmers with the necessary tools, knowledge, and resources to thrive in a competitive global market.
“Each of you brings a unique perspective and expertise that is crucial in shaping a policy that is not only comprehensive but also inclusive and actionable. The draft policy before us is the result of extensive research and consultations. It addresses critical areas such as access to machinery, training, finance, and sustainable practices etc.
“Our discussions today will focus on several key areas: identifying the challenges and opportunities within our current mechanisation efforts, exploring best practices from around the world, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders,” he added.
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