Federal Government Urges States to Align Agricultural Production with Consumption Needs

The Federal Government is advocating for a strategic alignment between agricultural production and consumption across the states to mitigate losses faced by farmers and ensure food security. During the 48th meeting of the National Council on Agriculture and Food Security (NCAFS) held in Enugu, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, emphasized the need for states to work collaboratively to strengthen food supply chains.

Senator Kyari highlighted that the agricultural sector has witnessed a growth rate of 4.39%, contributing 26.15% to Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He noted that recent market fluctuations have created significant challenges for farmers, with food inflation peaking at 40.87% in June 2024 before experiencing a decline to 8.89% in January 2026. Unfortunately, inflation has risen again to 19.59% by September 2026, largely due to increasing production and input costs.

At the meeting themed “Enhancing Agricultural Value Chains, Agro-Industrialisation and Market Access for Economic Growth,” stakeholders, including commissioners of agriculture from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, gathered to discuss effective strategies for bolstering the agricultural sector. Kyari urged participants to prioritize the development of agricultural value chains that connect production with market needs, thereby enhancing access for farmers to sell their products at fair prices.

Furthermore, the Minister revealed that the Federal Government has disbursed N16.27 billion to over 115,000 beneficiaries across 25 states and the FCT to support agricultural initiatives. The government’s commitment to fortifying the agricultural sector is seen as a vital step towards stabilizing food prices and improving livelihoods for farmers nationwide.