Driving Food Sufficiency In Unfriendly Economy

Before the crude oil was explored and produced in commercial quantity and became the predominant source of revenue for Nigeria, agriculture was proudly the economic mainstay of the country. During the period of regionalised Nigeria, the various regions were committed to generating revenue internally. And such drive was basically on agricultural products. Even with less technological and mechanical approach to farming, the regions enjoyed a degree of food sufficiency. The level of food and fish production among several other agricultural activities was commendable though subsistence in scope. Today, with the production of crude oil in commercial quantities, even states in the restructured Nigeria have not cultivated the vast expanse of arable lands and  harnessed the potentials that nature had deposited within the soil.  Agriculture is fast becoming archaic and menial for many people. The School-to-Land Programme and the Graduate Farmers Scheme of Rivers State and Federal Government respectively, which provided job for young school leavers and graduates of higher institutions have since become moribund. This is because of the growing apathy of youths to exploit the potentials in farming. The Governments at the three levels are not proactive enough to drive agricultural programmes successfully. In this Information, Communication and Technology driven era, it is unthinkable for young school leavers and graduates, including graduates of agriculture and its related fields, to find a career in agriculture because agriculture is not appealing. Apart from the fact that it takes time to reap the dividends of agriculture, most people are not in the frame of mind  to employ the primitive and traditional methods to do agriculture while other sources, even unacceptable ways of making money abound.  Agriculture in this age must be approached scientifically and technologically. The teeming rate of unemployment and the dwindling    economic prospects should be a reason the Federal Government should diversify the economy, inject fund into the sector for loan at single digit interest rate and create employment opportunities.
The sooner States and the Federal Government went back to agriculture, the better and safer for Nigeria’s sick economy. The level of farmers’ output in Nigeria is disturbing, and this is because of security issues that prevent the majority of farmers from going to the field. This has the unfortunate side effect of driving up the price of food. The government should intensify efforts to ensure that farmers produced at the appropriate time and value, given that there are several food systems for consumption by people, livestock, poultry, fish, and other animals, particularly those that place a priority on nutrient-dense goods and value chains. Nigeria’s food losses are a major concern. It has been observed that there are many different agricultural products available during the harvesting seasons. A focus on nutrient-dense products throughout the supply chain in target nations is needed in order to prevent food loss and waste as a result of the scarcity that currently exists. Better procedures for processing, distribution, and storage are needed, and recycling efforts should also be prioritised. Waste from the livestock can be converted into feeds through enhanced services, private sector engagement, and investment, especially within nutrient rich-value chains, and  to improve the food systems. Other innovations promote value addition, nutrient dense agricultural products and prevent food loss or waste. Processes that extend the shelf-life of perishable and nutrient dense agriculture products:
The establishment of various agro-processing facilities that will increase food safety, decrease microbial contamination, and provide more options for farmer groups and smallholder farming households to earn additional revenue (e.g., value addition, washing, grading, and packaging). Technology that raises sanitary and phytosanitary food safety requirements is included. Flood is an overflowing  of a large amount of water beyond its normal limits, especially over what is normally dry land. A flood happens when water from a river, lake, or ocean overflows onto the land around it. Too much rain or melting snow are the main causes of floods. Sometimes the soil in the ground can make a flood worse. This is because when rain falls, the soil usually soaks it up like a sponge.  Many  life and property were lost  and most  of the agricultural land  are also on  the receiving  end of this problem, while the farmers cannot cultivate. It causes    food inflation and this is very worrisome.  There is an urgent need for the government to provide palliatives for citizens to ease hardship and suffering in the land. The agricultural market system refers to the system through which agricultural products reach our tables. Agricultural marketing is a mechanism through which goods reach different places depending on marketplaces. Due to the ongoing challenges facing agricultural production, there is a need for serious concern on agricultural commodities, which is said to be a matter of life and death. The cries of the peasant farmers are unheard. Due to their importance in the supply of agricultural commodities, the issue of peasant farmers is becoming worrisome.
Some farmers are unaware of the ways in which rainfall patterns vary. Rainfall is also intended to be a life-benefit, but many farmers are unprepared to make use of it. Additionally, planting is supposed to continue, but many farmers have no idea what to do.  Numerous concerns, including insecurity which prevent farmers from farming, are among the many agricultural life obstacles confronting farming communities. As a result, there is a negative correlation between productivity and the prices of all agricultural commodities. Farmers are currently facing numerous production-related obstacles, and they must have a reason to think that they will overcome them. This is a major issue right now.

By: Igbiki Benibo