The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (F MARD) is committed to developing agriculture with a view to attaining national food security and provide gainful employment for its teeming young population. She noted that importation of rice has dropped tremendously as Nigeria is now engaged in local production of the product. Dr Osagie Aimiuwu of USAID Nigeria, who led the delegation to the ministry, said his organisation has developed a programme on integrated agriculture that will focus on the North East, saying his agency will collaborate with officials of the ministry to implement the programme. Members of the delegation include: Charlett Woodaid, James Moyes, Ryan E. Richardson, Judeson Gillett, Brad Duplessis, Will Watson of the US Army, while Corey Ray, is of the US Navy. USAID’s agriculture and food security programme in Nigeria helps to increase agricultural productivity, expand market participation, increase resilience of vulnerable households, improve business enabling environment and increase access to finance.

Source: Nigerian Tribune April 17, 2018 01:41 UTC