The Federal Government has applauded the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for providing a 12 billion Japanese Yen emergency loan aimed at fostering a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector in Nigeria. The financial support falls under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP), an initiative designed to drive agricultural innovation and productivity.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, expressed the government’s appreciation during a meeting with the Economic Development Department of JICA, led by Director General Mr. Takao Shimokawa, in Abuja. He emphasized that the loan would be strategically invested in three key areas: enhancing rice seed quality, improving the efficiency of farm input delivery and extension services, and strengthening private sector involvement in agricultural input production.
Kyari highlighted that the rice seed production project would be housed at the National Cereal Research Institute (NCRI) in Badeggi, Niger State. He underscored the ministry’s commitment to advancing research and development to breed high-yield, disease-resistant rice varieties capable of withstanding climate variability. Additionally, he noted that technical cooperation between NCRI and the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) would further improve Nigeria’s seed ecosystem.
“While enhancing seed quality is crucial, knowledge dissemination is equally vital,” Kyari stated. “Our collaboration with JICA on market-oriented agriculture, particularly through the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) project, has empowered smallholder farmers across 14 states. This initiative has bridged the gap between research and practice, ensuring that farmers have the skills and knowledge to thrive.”
To enhance extension services, the Ministry plans to leverage technology by utilizing mobile applications that provide real-time updates on weather patterns, market prices, and pest outbreaks—enabling farmers to make informed decisions swiftly.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, reiterated JICA’s long-standing support, stressing that seed quality remains a fundamental factor in achieving food security. He referenced President Bola Tinubu’s stance on the matter: “Plant the right seed, and you can feed the entire nation.”
JICA’s Director General, Mr. Takao Shimokawa, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening rice production in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, which remains the continent’s largest rice producer. He revealed that a new grant project would facilitate the procurement of modern machinery to enhance rice production, with the procurement process already underway.
The collaboration between Nigeria and JICA signals a renewed drive to fortify the country’s agricultural landscape, ensuring long-term food security and economic growth.
