Farmers in Jigawa State have voiced concerns over the alleged sabotage of the government’s National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro Pocket (NAGS&AP) initiative by agro-dealers. According to reports, delays in distributing agricultural inputs are causing potential losses, challenging efforts to accomplish food security in Nigeria (source). The accusation involves dealers recycling inputs by using intermediaries to buy them back after their initial distribution to farmers.
State officials, such as Sale Saidu, Jigawa’s Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, emphasize the initiative’s intention to assist small-scale farmers via affordable fertilizers, agrochemicals, and seeds. Despite aiming to benefit 80,000 farmers, only 60,000 are registered, facing delays due to ICT issues and transport challenges. The ministry is actively attempting to resolve these barriers, ensuring the programme meets its objectives, thereby contributing to national food security. Is the partnership between the government and agro-dealers the most effective way to boost food security?
Farmers in Jigawa State say that some agro dealers are not supporting the Federal Government’s NAGS (National Agricultural Growth Scheme) program. They claim these dealers are not giving the right seeds, fertilizers, or other farming supplies. This is making it hard for farmers to get the help they need, and it is affecting their crops and income.