Japan invests 15billion Yen to boost food security in Nigeria
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, hosted Mr. Takao Shimokawa, Director General of the Economic Development Department at the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), to reaffirm Nigeria’s partnership with Japan in advancing agricultural transformation and food security initiatives.
During the meeting, held at the ministry’s conference room, Senator Kyari commended JICA for over four decades of collaboration with Nigeria. He specifically acknowledged JICA’s recent JPY15 billion emergency food security support under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP), which aims to strengthen smallholder farmers’ resilience through:
- Agricultural sector reform
- Improved farm input delivery and extension services
- Enhanced private sector participation in agricultural input production
Emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to food security amid climate change, population growth, and economic challenges, the minister identified rice as a priority crop. He highlighted the JPY587 million Rice Seeds Production System Grant Aid Project at the National Cereal Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi, Niger State, which focuses on developing high-yield, disease-resistant rice varieties to boost national food production.
Beyond seed improvement, Senator Kyari underscored the role of knowledge dissemination through the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) project.
Implemented between 2020 and 2024 across 14 states, the initiative has empowered smallholder farmers and bridged research with practical applications. He also outlined plans to leverage mobile technology to provide real-time agricultural insights, helping farmers make informed decisions.
“The implementation of emergency food security measures, enhancement of rice seed quality, and expansion of extension services are not just initiatives; they are commitments to the future of our communities and our nation,” Kyari stated.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their dedication to building a resilient agricultural system that ensures long-term food security for all Nigerians.
