FG Receive Final Report for $500m AGROW Programme, Set to Boost Farming Nationwide
The Federal Government don officially receive the final report for the $500 million Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains for Growth (AGROW) Programme, clearing the way for full implementation of the World Bank-supported agricultural initiative.
Vice President Kashim Shettima receive the report on Tuesday for Presidential Villa, Abuja, where e describe the programme as one wey go reconnect farmers with national economic planning and government policy decisions.
According to am, one of Nigeria biggest challenges for agriculture na the gap between farmers wey dey produce food and the systems wey determine the value of their work. He say AGROW go help close that gap and make agriculture contribute more to economic growth.
The $500 million World Bank-backed programme na result of consultations wey involve 32 states across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with focus on improving productivity, infrastructure, extension services and market access.
Shettima say agriculture contribute about 23 per cent to Nigeria Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provide jobs for about 34 per cent of the country’s workforce, stressing say the sector deserves greater investment and attention.
“When farm productivity increase, food prices go reduce, rural income go improve, industries go get raw materials and the economy go benefit. But when productivity fall, everybody feel the impact through hunger and hardship,” the Vice President said.
He reveal say 71 per cent ($355 million) of the programme funding go be implemented directly by participating state governments, putting states at the centre of project delivery.
However, Shettima admit say although the funding na significant step, e no fit solve all the challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural sector, especially areas like infrastructure, technology, processing, extension services and market development.
The Vice President officially accepted the final report and dissolved the National Technical Working Group, directing the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to take over implementation through the National Steering Committee.
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, who spoke on behalf of participating states, pledged the support of governors, while Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Hadiza Balarabe, assured that Kaduna would establish a state coordination team to ensure smooth implementation.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, described AGROW as a game-changing programme that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
World Bank representatives also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Nigeria, expressing confidence that the programme would strengthen food security, attract private investment and help reduce poverty across the country.
