FG extends food security programme by 5 years, says Minister
The federal government has approved additional five years extension of the national special programme for food security.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Malam Adamu Bello disclosed this at the weekend at the opening of the 31st annual national conference of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria (SSSN).
Speaking at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, the Minister said that President Olusegun Obasanjo
gave the approval following the success recorded in the first five years of its implementation.
The Minister, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Land, of the ministry, Mr Olatunji Olabode, said that the new programme would focus on development of small holder agriculture.
He stated that the extension was aimed at increased income generation activities and to reduce poverty in rural areas, adding that six more sites would be established in each of the 36 states and two in the FCT.
Food -- 2
The minister further explained that the new exercise was expected to commence early in 2007, saying that the federal government had funded key projects in collaboration with international donors.
The Vice-Chancellor of ABU, Prof. Shehu Abdullahi, in a speech, said that the university had taken a stride in its research activities in land and water management for poverty alleviation and sustainable environment.
He worried over the inefficient agricultural practices and faulty macro-economic policies, which have caused land degradation, depletion of organic matter and nutrients, desert encroachment and deforestation.
He stressed the need for the participants to come out with effective recommendations in land and water resources management.
The national President of the Association, Prof. Victor Chude, urged the federal government to establish a national soil research institute.