House Urges FG for Prompt Distribution of Palliative Measures to Facilitate Dry Season Farming

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal MinistrY of Agriculture and Food Security, and THE Ministry of Finance to immediately initiate processes for the prompt distribution of palliative measures as provided in the Supplementary Appropriations Act, 2023, to facilitate and promote dry season farming in the North-central zone.

It also urged the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to provide adequate irrigation sources and water supply for agricultural production in the North-central zone.

These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion on the Need to Release Palliatives and Sundry support for Dry Season farming in the North Central Zone moved by Hon. Ahmed Adamu Saba, at plenary yesterday.

Saba noted that on Thursday, November 2, 2023, the National Assembly passed the N2.17 trillion 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Bill, which included palliative measures like wage awards for emergencies in infrastructure, insecurity and labour demands.

He also noted that Goal 2 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) is aimed at eradicating hunger by 2030, enhancing small-scale farmers’ productivity and income, thus promoting sustainable food production in Nigeria.

Saba further noted that the federal government has declared a national emergency on food security due to rising inflation, making basic foods more expensive and escalating malnutrition and poverty rates across the country.

He said: “Rural communities in North-central are major cereal producers in the country, utilising terraced savannahs for food production despite the region’s unique dry season, which can be improved with irrigation.

“In the budgetary provisions of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the sums of N12.5 billion and N25 billion were proposed for the provision of seedlings, other agricultural inputs, and supplies in the six states in the North-central zone and dry season farming for an additional 80,000 hectares to the National Agricultural Growth Scheme Programme for the production of wheat, maize, rice, and cassava, including the purchase of assorted inputs for the rainy season nationwide, respectively.”

He raised concern that recurrent floods in the north-central region have severely impacted food production, threatening farmers’ livelihoods and worsening food security issues in the country.

Emphasising that dry-season farming in Nigena enhances food availability and security and satisfies population needs.

However, the House further mandated its committees on Agricultural Production and Services, Finance and Water Resources to ensure compliance.