FG Reviews National Agricultural Growth Scheme as Produce Hits N2.31 Trillion

The Federal Government has launched a detailed review of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme (NAGS) and Agro-Pocket Project following the successful production of 2,536,184 metric tonnes of crops worth N2.31 trillion over four farming seasons. The review aims to assess the progress of the programme, identify areas for improvement, and enhance its impact on Nigeria’s food security.

Speaking at a workshop on the NAGS implementation framework, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, highlighted the scheme’s achievements and called for a collaborative approach to strengthen its operations. “We are here to objectively examine the programme’s strengths and weaknesses to make it more efficient, effective, and impactful,” he said.

The minister noted that the programme’s success had directly contributed to stabilising food prices and improving the nation’s food supply. He emphasised that the review aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on food and nutrition security, aimed at ensuring adequate, affordable, and wholesome food for all Nigerians.

The NAGS-AP Project, which targets six staple crops—wheat, rice, maize, sorghum, soybean, and cassava—also plans to expand with international partnerships. The project will implement initiatives funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and continue the African Development Bank-backed Policy-Based Operations project, focusing on boosting production across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Beyond providing critical farm inputs, the programme will strengthen institutional support for farmers, deploying extension agents and quality control officers to ensure higher productivity and sustainability. Since its inception in the 2023 dry season, NAGS-AP has supported hundreds of thousands of farmers nationwide, bridging food supply gaps, increasing agricultural output, and reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to food security.

source: punch