Abeokuta, Ogun State: The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) is poised to spearhead a transformative revolution in Nigerian agriculture, according to its Executive Secretary, Muhammad Abu Ibrahim. Speaking at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, during the university’s convocation ceremony, Mr Ibrahim declared that agriculture has evolved from a mere subsistence activity to a dynamic sector brimming with untapped economic potential.

“Our ultimate mission is to harness the transformative power of agriculture to drive socio-economic development through inclusive financing and sustainable support,” Mr. Ibrahim emphasized. He outlined the Fund’s four key focus areas:

• Inputs: Ensuring access to high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and other essential inputs for farmers.
• Implements and Mechanization: Promoting the adoption of modern agricultural machinery, such as tractors, to enhance productivity and reduce reliance on manual labor.
• Infrastructure: Developing and improving critical infrastructure, including irrigation systems, storage facilities, and rural roads, to support agricultural activities.
• Emergency Response: Implementing swift and effective interventions to mitigate the impact of agricultural disasters, such as the recent ginger blight epidemic that devastated crops in Kaduna State.

Mr Ibrahim highlighted the NADF’s proactive response to the ginger blight crisis, which impacted thousands of farmers and threatened to cripple the ginger export industry. The Fund is actively working to assist affected farmers and revitalize the ginger value chain.

Furthermore, the NADF is spearheading a significant mechanization program in collaboration with John Deere and TATA Africa Services, to deploy 10,000 tractors over the next five years. This initiative is expected to significantly boost agricultural productivity, create jobs, and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian agriculture in global markets.

Recognizing the importance of strategic partnerships, the NADF has forged collaborations with various stakeholders, including government agencies, development partners, and regional organizations. These partnerships aim to leverage resources, share expertise, and implement innovative solutions, such as climate-smart agriculture practices and the integration of advanced technologies like drones and artificial intelligence.

Mr. Ibrahim urged the graduating students to embrace the transformative potential of modern agriculture. “Today’s agriculture thrives on innovation,” he emphasized. “Embrace technology, challenge the status quo, and identify new opportunities to improve productivity, enhance market access, and create sustainable livelihoods for farmers.”

The NADF’s vision for a revitalized agricultural sector aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda. By fostering innovation, promoting sustainable practices, and empowering farmers, the NADF aims to unlock the immense potential of Nigerian agriculture and contribute significantly to the nation’s economic growth and development.