The Federal Government has stated that it will reduce the level of food importation in the country, EdumNews reports.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, disclosed this while speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday to mark the country’s 64th Independence Day.
He noted that this will enable the country boost its domestic agricultural production and increase food security, adding that it remains the cornerstone to the government’s economic recovery plan.
He also stated that the government is committed to supporting small-scale farmers by providing critical inputs like seeds and fertilizer under schemes such as the Nigerian Agricultural Growth Scheme.
This support according to him, will focus on enhancing both the wet and dry season harvests, reducing the need for imports in the short term while boosting productivity in the long term.
He stated, “We should not be importing food.
“As an immediate measure, the government has ordered maize and wheat imports to stabilise the food market.
“It is critical that we do not disrupt domestic production of food. It is critical that we do not disrupt farming in Nigeria by flooding the market with imports.”
Written by Hope James
