Food security: FG dispatches 10,000 agro rangers across 19 states, FCT

Food security: FG dispatches 10,000 agro rangers across 19 states, FCT

The Federal Government has taken another decisive step to boost food security and protect agricultural investments in the country.

 It has deployed over 10,000 Agro Rangers in 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to offer security to farmers and farmlands.

The initiative, led by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), is part of a broader strategy to address the challenges of food production and inflation in the country.

Special Presidential Assistant Olusegun Dada, who announced the initiative, said it wouldensure the safety of farmers who have been increasingly targeted by violent attacks.

He said the Agro Rangers would mediate in conflicts between farmers and herders and prevent the destruction of farmlands across the country.

Dada said government’s focus on agriculture as a pillar of national development is further underscored by the anticipated arrival of over 5,000 sophisticated farming equipment, which would be distributed to farmers.

He said the equipment would boost the cultivation of over 10 million hectares of land, aligning with the administration’s ambitious goals to enhance food production and curb the rising food inflation crisis.

Dada said: “As part of ongoing efforts to enhance food security in the Northern region and other parts of the country, the FG through the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps(NSCDC) has deployed over 10,000 Agro Rangers across 19 states and the FCT.

“The Agro Rangers will, among other things; safeguard farmlands and protect farmers from escalating attacks, mediate conflicts between farmers and herders, and prevent malicious destruction of farmlands.

“While the food inflation crisis in the country is a function of many factors, insecurity has been a long term challenge and this collaboration between the NSCDC and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is expected to solve a major challenge faced by farmers across the country.

“A reminder that we are expecting to take delivery of over 5000 sophisticated farming equipments, for the first instance, as the nation rounds up her efforts for the cultivation of over 10million hectares of land as envisaged by President Bola Tinubu Administration. “

Dada said while the food inflation is influenced by multiple factors, including global economic conditions, government’s effort at addressing insecurity in the agricultural sector is a critical step towards stabilizing food supply and ensuring long-term food security in the nation.