Address Issue of Food Security Immediately, KACRAN Calls on Agriculture Minister

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers’ Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has called on the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, to immediately swing into action to address the critical issue of food security in the country, which remains the cornerstone for peace, stability, and nation-building.
The group in a statement by its National President, Hon. Khalil Mohammed Bello, on Sunday said there is the urgent need for Senator Abubakar Kyari to fulfill the high expectations set by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian people in the area of food security.

Bello said: “No doubt President Tinubu, who is one of Nigeria’s most sincere, determined, and visionary leaders since independence, has taken decisive steps to ensure the continuity of governance at all levels. Within moments of assuming office, he implemented critical measures, including the removal of the oil subsidy, to maintain the government’s momentum.

“As Nigeria navigates the complexities of national development, the role of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security becomes increasingly pivotal. Recognizing this, President Tinubu has placed significant trust in Senator Kyari to address the critical issue of food security – a cornerstone for peace, stability, and nation-building.

“KACRAN believes that the appointment of Senator Kyari, with his extensive experience in lawmaking and his commitment to food provision, signifies the President’s dedication to ensuring all Nigerians have access to nutritious and sufficient food. This is further evidenced by the substantial budget allocated to the ministry, confirming its pivotal role in sustaining the government’s agenda.”

He added that: “The frequent consultations between Nigeria’s farmers and the Minister in Abuja underscore the confidence placed in Senator Kyari’s leadership, not only by the President but also by the agricultural community.

“However, KACRAN emphasizes that true justification of this confidence will come from the Minister’s demonstration of capability to supply over two hundred million Nigerians with a diverse and nutritious food supply. To achieve this, KACRAN urges the Minister to administer resources with equity, advocating for a balanced approach to supporting both herders and farmers.”

Bello said: “Given the interdependence of arable farming and the livestock sector, particularly in Northern Nigeria where traditional practices still prevail due to resource limitations, KACRAN calls for a fifty-fifty disbursement strategy in agricultural development funds.”

He also appealed to the Minister to learn from past oversights that favoured arable farming at the expense of the livestock and fisheries sectors, insisting that “a more balanced approach promises a more efficient and productive agricultural system, akin to walking on two strong legs rather than hobbling on one.”

 He said: “We trust in the Minister’s capacity to lead the agricultural sector to new heights, under the guidance of God.”