“The reason for the increase in the dollar is that Nigeria spends more than it earns internationally. The only place that we get foreign exchange now is through crude oil and fossil fuels.”

“Food is now viewed as a trading commodity, not as a necessity for food security of the nation. And I think because of this situation and the challenge that we face, we have to come out I make absolute statement that no double taxation should be applied to food in transit.”

“A veritable food system is evolved by committing to the proper and sustainable creation of a number of important pillars including; Production; Storage; ⁠Processing; ⁠Distribution; and Consumption.”

“We are, indeed, excited about the enthusiastic responses of the state governments to our letter calling for Expression of Interest in the Second Phase of the 2023/2024 Dry Season Farming.”

THE Federal Government has ordered the immediate release of 102,000 metric tonnes of rice and maize.

National Root Crop Research Institute, NRCRI, Umudike, Abia State, has said it would soon release improved cassava variety as part of the effort to boost food production.

Gov Alex Otti of Abia State has advocated increased production of cashew as a means of foreign exchange earner to boost the economy of Nigeria.

The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, ARCN, Friday, disclosed Federal Government’s recruitment of 1,550 agricultural scientists to boost food production and security.

The National Association of Donkey Farmers (NADFAMS), says the country can generate more than 60 million dollars annually and provide jobs for millions of youths through production of donkeys.

The Federal Government says over five million smallholder farmers have benefitted from the IFAD-supported agricultural programmes in the country.