The Federal Government has strengthened its data-driven agricultural policy through evidence-based planning and implementation to address the lingering food crisis across the country.
This was disclosed yesterday during the official presentation of the 2025 Agricultural Performance Survey (APS) report by the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS) to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, in Abuja.
The 2025 APS, conducted between August 30 and September 7 in collaboration with state ministries, agencies, and development partners, provides a comprehensive review of the agricultural sector’s performance during the 2025 wet season.
Covering 13 thematic areas, the report assessed production trends, productivity constraints, technology adoption, and field-level insights to guide future government strategies.
In his remarks, Kyari commended NAERLS, its partners, and relevant federal departments for their collaboration and methodological rigor.
He noted that the inclusion of new datasets, such as the Farm Family Census and Tractor Census, marked a new benchmark for agricultural data integrity and strategic policymaking.
According to the APS, major staples—including rice, maize, sorghum, millet, cowpea, yam, and cassava—recorded higher production levels compared to 2024, contributing to a moderate decline in food prices across all geopolitical zones.
However, the report also highlighted persisting challenges such as high input costs, limited mechanization coverage, and postharvest losses, particularly in parts of the South-West and North-Central.
It further noted that flooding, pest infestations, and livestock disease outbreaks affected performance in some regions.
Executive Director of NAERLS, Professor Yusuf Ahmed Sani, said that despite these challenges, the resilience of Nigerian farmers, combined with steady gains in crop output and the government’s renewed commitment to data-driven interventions, points toward a more productive and food-secure future.
In response, Senator Kyari pledged to act on the survey’s recommendations by institutionalising a Dry Season Agricultural Performance Survey, scaling up climate-smart agriculture, expanding mechanisation and digital extension systems, and boosting local fertiliser production.
He also emphasised increased support for youth and women farmers, improved postharvest infrastructure, and stronger collaboration with research institutions and the private sector.
Kyari reaffirmed that the APS remains a national public resource crucial for guiding Nigeria’s pursuit of food and nutrition security and commended Ahmadu Bello University and NAERLS for their continued dedication to advancing agricultural data integrity.
He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to transforming Nigerian agriculture into a more productive, inclusive, and resilient sector.
