The Federal Government is taking steps to crack down on fake farmers and portfolio farmers ahead of this year's farming season. Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture, made this announcement during a roundtable discussion in Abuja organized by the Progressive Forum to celebrate the 44th birthday of its leader, Ismaeel Ahmed.
Abdullahi emphasized the government's commitment to identifying real farmers to ensure that interventions in the agriculture sector reach those who truly need them. He mentioned that the government is developing a strategy to encourage institutions with land to engage in large-scale production to combat food insecurity and high food prices.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly given the ministry full support to ensure that genuine farmers receive the necessary assistance. Abdullahi clarified that the support provided by the government, often referred to as subsidies, is aimed at aiding farmers in achieving maximum productivity through various forms of support such as technical assistance, infrastructure, and advisory extension services.
The minister highlighted the importance of recognizing the contributions of smallholder farmers and supporting those who have made significant investments in agriculture across the country. He announced plans to launch a program to identify and verify genuine farmers, distinguishing them from fake farmers who exploit government support for personal gain.
