The federal government has set an ambitious target of producing 135 million metric tonnes of staple crops in 2024 through the newly unveiled Accelerated Stabilisation and Advancement Plan (ASAP). This initiative underscores the government’s comprehensive strategy to address the nation’s pressing agricultural challenges and enhance economic growth and food security.
The ASAP framework is designed to advance President Bola Tinubu’s economic priorities, focusing on critical sectors such as agriculture, oil, gas, power, revenue, business environment, and access to finance.
According to the plan document, the agriculture and food security sub-committee, responsible for implementing ASAP, has identified several key issues to be addressed by 2024. These include the high cost of agricultural inputs, lack of infrastructure, and the need for personnel development in the agricultural sector. The plan also aims to address supply deficits in major crops consumed by Nigerians, targeting an additional 4.9 million metric tonnes in production from the private sector.
Key strategies outlined in the plan include updating national agricultural policies, training farmers in climate-smart techniques, developing pastures and grazing lands, and improving the genetic quality of livestock breeds. The government also plans to audit the national seed system and enhance farmers’ capacity to handle farming equipment and other inputs.
The expected outcomes of ASAP are significant. The government aims to reduce the decades-high food inflation, currently at 40.59%, and increase the productivity of staple crops grown by individual farmers by 6.0%, from 127 million metric tonnes in 2023 to 135 million metric tonnes in 2024. Additionally, the plan includes opening up 30,000 hectares of new irrigatable land for dry season farming, enhancing livestock nutrition and feed management, and improving access to mechanization.
Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, highlighted the transformative potential of ASAP. “This plan is a game-changer for Nigeria’s agricultural sector. By addressing fundamental issues such as input costs, infrastructure, and farmer training, we are laying the groundwork for a more robust and resilient food system.”
The federal government’s commitment to ASAP reflects a broader strategy to not only boost agricultural output but also to create sustainable economic opportunities for Nigerians. By focusing on improving infrastructure, training, and access to resources, the plan aims to empower farmers and ensure long-term food security.
