FG Allocates N30bn to Universities of Agriculture for Mechanized Farming Initiative
By NIGPOST Staff Writer
In a bold move aimed at addressing the growing food inflation crisis, the federal government has approved ₦30 billion to fund mechanized farming in the country’s 30 universities of agriculture. This initiative is set to take off immediately and is expected to have a significant impact on food production and the broader agricultural sector.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the opening of a retreat organized for the pro-chancellors of federal universities on Tuesday in Abuja. The move follows a strategic push to refocus the country’s agricultural universities on their core mission of advancing agricultural education and research.
N1 Billion per University for Mechanized Farming
Dr. Alausa revealed that each of the 30 universities would receive ₦1 billion as an initial grant to kickstart the mechanized farming projects. The universities are expected to implement advanced farming systems, utilizing technology and innovation to improve crop yield and agricultural productivity.
“The focus is to ensure that our universities of agriculture operate in line with their primary mandate,” said Alausa. “They will no longer engage in programs unrelated to agriculture. The idea is to produce more food through mechanization, which will go a long way in tackling the problem of food inflation in the country.”
Tackling Food Inflation
According to agricultural experts, the planned large-scale cultivation of 500,000 hectares of land under this initiative will play a key role in stabilizing food prices. This will also support the nation’s efforts to achieve food security and reduce dependency on food imports.
The emphasis on mechanized farming is seen as a critical step towards modernizing agriculture in Nigeria, as the sector remains one of the most underdeveloped despite its potential. Mechanization will reduce labor costs, improve efficiency, and boost overall agricultural output, ultimately helping to alleviate food shortages and curb inflation.
Focus on Agricultural Excellence
Dr. Alausa also stressed the importance of aligning the agricultural universities with global standards, stating that the country needs highly skilled agricultural professionals equipped with the right knowledge and tools. This initiative, he believes, will contribute significantly to the development of the agricultural sector and improve the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.
With the backing of the federal government, universities of agriculture across Nigeria are now tasked with driving innovation in farming techniques and becoming key players in solving the food crisis that has plagued the nation for years.
This move is part of a broader effort by the federal government to ensure that agriculture becomes a key pillar of Nigeria’s economy, as it works toward reducing poverty, creating jobs, and enhancing food security.
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