The Niger Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has deployed agricultural experts to promote innovative farming methods among local farmers to boost crop yields. Dr. Matthew Ahmed, the Permanent Secretary, announced this initiative during a visit to the Niger Foods Green House and the Edozhigi Irrigation Scheme in the Gbako Local Government Area.
The visit, conducted in collaboration with the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and Synergos Nigeria, also included a review of 57.3 hectares allocated to permanent secretaries for rice farming in Kakankpagi, aimed at encouraging civil servants to engage in agriculture.
Dr. Ahmed highlighted that the exercise’s goal was to assess current farming practices and provide expert guidance to help farmers improve their methods. “We want to ensure that our farmers are aware of the latest technologies and innovations in agriculture, and ensure they adopt best practices to improve their yields,” he stated.
The team also evaluated the African Development Bank-funded ATASP-1 intervention, which has significantly contributed to the construction of irrigation canals, enabling farmers to cultivate crops up to three times a year.
Addressing some of the challenges in the sector, Dr. Ahmed assured farmers that the state government was working on solutions to issues such as herders’ interference. He mentioned plans to establish the Ministry of Nomadic and Pastoral Affairs, alongside the Ministry of Homeland Security, to further enhance agricultural development and security in the region.
Malam Alhassan Umaru, who coordinates AGRA’s intervention in the ministry, emphasized the importance of the inspection in improving policy implementation, coordination, and data monitoring. He noted that the assessment would help identify farmers’ challenges, refine policies, and realign strategies for more effective project outcomes.
Success stories from the visit included reports from Mrs. Caroline Aro, Farm Manager at Niger Foods Green House, who shared that over a tonne of cucumbers had been harvested from a recent planting. The greenhouse specializes in high-quality vegetables such as tomatoes, bell peppers, and seedless baby cucumbers.
Alhaji Yahaya Umaru, a rice farmer, also commended the impact of the ATASP-1 program. With the introduction of irrigation farming, rice yields have improved, with farmers now harvesting approximately 70 bags of 75kg rice per hectare. “Farming, which was once seen as a heritage, is now a profitable business with the support of the state government,” Umaru said.