The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has assured that the Federal Government will take deliberate steps to stabilise the prices of agricultural equipment across Nigeria.
The Minister made the pledge in Lafia while flagging off the distribution of farm machinery and tools aimed at boosting agricultural productivity in the state.
Senator Kyari explained that the initiative seeks to mirror the success achieved in stabilising food prices under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying the move will ease the burden on farmers and strengthen value chains for key crops.
“The programme is one of President Tinubu’s visions to alleviate the suffering of the people. Farmers have been complaining about access to inputs, and we are going to bring down their prices through deliberate effort,” he said. “We were able to stabilise food prices, and we will do the same for agricultural equipment.”
Also Read:Â Nigeria, FAO Partner on $3.14bn Agricultural Investment Portfolio
The equipment, procured by the Federal Government in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) under its Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), targets improvements in rice and cassava production, as well as enhancing livelihoods for farmers in Nasarawa State. Initially, the programme aimed to support 150,000 farmers; so far, 135,000 farmers have benefitted.
Senator Kyari commended the Nasarawa State Government under Governor Abdullahi Sule for its active participation, noting: “Nasarawa State ranks number one in collaboration under the VCDP and in meeting counterpart obligations.”
Governor Sule also praised the support of the Federal Government and IFAD, noting that Nasarawa remains a leading food-producing state. “Supporting small-scale farmers through the VCDP ensures they become independent and economically viable,” he said. “The programme emphasises the full value chain, reducing post-harvest losses and increasing productivity.”
Dr Fatima Aliyu, National Coordinator of VCDP, revealed that the initiative has transformed smallholder farmers into employers of labour, positively impacting over 150,000 farmers and processors across nine states. She added that the programme, unique for its focus on the value chain, demonstrates that smallholder farming can be profitable and sustainable.
Highlighting inclusivity, Dr Aliyu said, “The VCDP supports people with disabilities as well. Today, some beneficiaries with disabilities are receiving inputs, having contributed N1.5 million as matching grants, showing their trust in the programme.”
The Nasarawa State Commissioner for Agriculture, Tanko Tunga, noted that the new inputs and equipment 46 tricycles, nine weighing scales, three destoners, seven petrol engines, seven small-scale rice mills, and two steam parboilers will strengthen farmer organisations, improve processing and marketing, and enhance collective action among farmers.
During his visit, the Minister also commissioned rice processing centres in Kwanka and Ashangwa communities in Lafia Local Government Area, inspecting projects executed under the VCDP to boost efficiency and productivity in the state.
