KDSG, FAO sign agreement to bolster food security
Agreement
By Hussaina Yakubu
Kaduna State Government and the United Nations have signed a Technical Cooperation Project, through the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), to address food security and leverage its potentials in agriculture.
The project also seeks to support smallholder farmers to address hunger, malnutrition and stimulate an inclusive socio-economic growth in the state.
The Technical Cooperation Project, titled ‘Smart Tomato Value Chain Enhancement through Sustainable Practices for Livelihood Improvement in Kaduna State’, was signed at the Council Chambers of Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Thursday.
Speaking earlier, Gov. Uba Sani said the state holds great potential for Nigeria’s food security as the leading producer of many agricultural produce, including ginger, maize, soybeans, tomato and sorghum, among others.
According to the Governor, agriculture accounts for more than 51 per cent of the state’s GDP while it employs more than 70 per cent of its population.
Sani said, “It is mostly youths that make up nearly half of our over 10 million population.
“We are also blessed with favourable climatic conditions that support the production of a vast array of agricultural produce and year-round agricultural activities.
“Kaduna State is one of the leading tomato-producing states in the country.
“It is our hope that this new partnership will catalyse our rapid progression toward attaining and maintaining the coveted top spot as a major producer in Nigeria and West Africa.”
According to him, the primary source of income for most of the people is agriculture.
He added, “That was why we allocated about N74 billion or 9.3 per cent of our 2025 budget, in our effort towards meeting the 2014 Malabo Declaration of 10 per cent budgetary allocation to agriculture.’’
Sani pointed out that the budgetary allocation to agriculture demonstrated his administration’s commitment to food security and sustainable livelihoods, even as a subnational government.
He, however, argued that accelerating agricultural growth and transformation was capital-intensive.
Sani said, “That is why the Kaduna State Government welcomes this opportunity to partner with FAO and enhance our tomato production value chain through sustainable practices.’’
In his remarks, the FAO Country Representative, Koffy Dominique, said that the organisation was committed to strengthening the entire tomato value chain.
According to him, this is with the view to addressing challenges in production, post-harvest and strengthening cooperatives.
He said FOA would focus on enhancing production techniques to improve yields and quality, reduce post-harvest losses through better storage, processing and infrastructure development.
The country representative said that FAO would continuously advocate agricultural transformation and sustainable food systems in the North-West region and Kaduna State in particular.
“Kaduna State has the capacity to become a powerhouse in agricultural production, value addition and food security, not only for the nation but for the continent.
“This signing ceremony represents more than just an agreement; it is a milestone in our shared journey toward sustainable development, job creation, and inclusive economic growth,’’ he added.
He also commended Sani for his visionary leadership in fostering collaboration and creating an enabling environment for development. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
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