Food production: Mechanization underway as Nigeria prepares for October-November bumper harvest

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has announced that Nigeria is expecting a bumper harvest by the end of the year, likely around October or November.

Despite the current 40% food inflation reported by the National Bureau of Statistics, Kyari assured that the Federal Government has measures in place to address the situation, including increased farming activities to boost food production.

Kyari highlighted seasonal factors as a key reason for the current food shortage, noting that the “lean season” occurs between June and July before the next harvest. He also cited other contributing issues such as reduced landmass, flooding, and an ageing farming population.

To combat these challenges, the government is promoting mechanized farming. Kyari mentioned efforts like the distribution of fertilizers and the purchase of tractors and other farming implements.

He noted a recent order from Belarus for 200 tractors and 9,000 implements to aid in this transition, emphasizing the need to move away from traditional farming methods to more modern, efficient practices.