President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive to the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) to establish 108 integrated farms estates nationwide is a revolutionary idea that is most welcome
According to the Buhari Media Organisation (BMO), in a statement signed by its Chairman Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary Cassidy Madueke, it is an intentional and robust approach to boosting food production and ensuring food security in the country.
“The directive is in line with President Buhari’s plan to ensure that agriculture becomes the mainstream of Nigeria’s economy by activating agricultural activities across the country, and by extension, developing the rural areas and providing jobs for rural dwellers and youths.
“This has once again revealed the President’s commendable interest to boost the agriculture sector and redirect Nigeria towards the path of self dependence in local food production.
“This is the first time such an innovative programme is being set up in all the 109 Senatorial constituencies, creating room for comparative advantage while emphasizing each district’s area of strength.
“Furthermore, the programme is not only targeting local production for domestic use and exportation, but it will also provide processing facilities for farm produce in each farming estate”.
BMO noted that the first Integrated Farm Estate which took six months to be put in place was commissioned two months ago in Daura, Katsina State.
The group also recalled that before the coming of this administration, NALDA was an abandoned agency. “It took a Buhari government to revive it, redirect it’s course and ensure its functionality. We note with interest that NALDA, under President Buhari, is also reviving the abandoned farming estates in each of the 774 Local Government Areas”.
The group urged State Governors to cooperate with NALDA to ensure the overall success of the programme. “They should take a cue from the Governor of Katsina State who donated 100 acres of land for crop and animal production, processing and packaging”, the statement added.
