The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Muhammed Abubakar, has revealed that effective organic farming will no doubt boost food production, increase foreign exchange, improve health and increase the life span of people in the country.
He said that Nigeria as a nation, has both physical and human resources to excel in organic farming and be one of the best organic producers in the world.
The Minister stated this on Thursday in Nasarawa at a 2-day National Dialogue on Organic Agriculture Policy for Nigeria, organized by the Department of Farm Input Support Services of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with Ecological Organic Agriculture (EOA), to put in place a policy that will grow organic Agriculture in the country.
Dr. Abubakar, who was represented by the Director of Agricultural Land and Climate Change Management Services in the Ministry, Engr. Shehu Bello at the occasion, said that Nigeria’s agriculture sector is one of the key drivers of the economy.
According to him, with a vast landmass, conducive climate, and a large population of over 200 million, Nigeria is well suited to excel in organic agriculture, especially as major natural inputs needed are readily available locally.
“The government is presently focusing on unlocking the enormous potentials that abound in organic agriculture, as well as its adoption for the sustainability of soil nutrients and fertility.
“Our ultimate goal in this area is to increase agricultural productivity, earn foreign exchange, alleviate poverty and improve on the rural economies and job creation.
“The practice of organic agriculture, in an organized manner, is relatively new in the country.
“About 70 percent of the Nigerian farmers think they are into organic agriculture but true organic farming is a certified production method that is yet to be widely understood by Nigerian farmers.
“The increasing consumers demand for organic products locally is also an indication that the sector has high growth potential. ”
He lamented that most of the organic products on sale across the country are imported, and promised to channel all the needed energy towards creating awareness about organic farming in Nigeria.
“With the increasing awareness and sensitization through ecological organic agriculture initiatives and advocacy, organic agriculture in Nigeria is beginning to witness rapid growth.
“The obvious absence of the country’s agricultural products in the international market will soon be a thing of the past”, he promised.
In his addressed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha who was represented by the Director, Public Affairs Office of the SGF Mrs Veronica Agugu, commended the team for the draft national organic agriculture policy developed by the ministry.
He disclosed that, over the past decade, there has been increasing public concern over nutrition, health and food safety issues.
“Consumers perceive high risks that are associated with the consumption of conventionally grown produce, thus shifting the attention to organic farming as a source of healthy food and healthy living.”
He urged the stakeholders to leave no stoned unturned to ensure an effective policy that will bring about speedy growth and development of organic farming in the country.
In his goodwill message, the National chairman of OFPSAN, Engr. Noel Keyen, averred that organic farming is the way, especially as a lot of Nigerian farm produce is being rejected for export across the globe.
He assured that the dialogue would have a serious impact on the growth of organic farming in the country
