The government is encouraging both local and international stakeholders to invest in large-scale mechanized farming due to the increasing interest in the agricultural sector. This call was made during the Farm, Food, and Allied Technologies Expo in Abuja, organized by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with other partners.
The Minister of Agriculture highlighted the importance of the agricultural sector in the nation’s economy and emphasized the shift towards making agriculture a business venture for private investors rather than just a development program. The aim is to create agribusiness linkages, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance food security and wealth creation.
The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce echoed similar sentiments, stressing the need to revolutionize agricultural innovation and strengthen partnerships, particularly with countries like China. The event aimed to showcase investment opportunities in the agro-allied sector and advocate for policies that support economic growth.
Guest speakers, including the Chief of Defence Staff, highlighted the importance of providing security for Nigerian farmers to ensure food sufficiency. They also addressed challenges such as armed conflicts and climate change affecting agricultural activities, emphasizing the need for investment in agricultural infrastructure and large-scale mechanized farming to achieve national food security.