The Federal Government has struck a partnership with an indigenous company, Origin Tech Group, to pioneer integrated food security systems through a revolutionary large-scale agricultural mechanisation programme, code-named ‘Greener Hope Agricultural Productivity Programme’, to expand food production significantly.
In a live programme, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, while commending the firm for its home-grown initiative, explained that the project aims to develop an integrated food security systems that would combine food production, logistics and market hubs spanning 150,000 hectares across the federation.
He noted: “It will provide irrigation equipment, mechanisation equipment, and land clearing for large farms, ranging from a minimum of 2,000 hectares to a maximum of 25,000 hectares per cluster.”
The minister stated that in addition, the programme is projected to create about 1.5 million jobs and drive down food prices by about 25 per cent, adding: “ It can be likened to a marshal programme for food production.
“The programme intends to achieve its objectives within three years, starting with the 2024 dry season farming.”
It has a funding timeline of 10 years and focuses on crops of immediate coverage.” Earlier in the year, President Bola Tinubu hinted about the Greener Hope Agricultural Productivity Programme as a cardinal project of his administration during his visit to Minna, Niger State, emphasising the government’s commitment to food security and local industry protection. He highlighted the initiative’s goal to deploy advanced agricultural machinery and technology for enhanced agro-value chain productivity.
The President had observed: “The Greener Hope Agricultural Productivity Programme is a crucial platform for addressing the challenges in Nigeria’s agricultural mechanisation.”
He underscored the current administration’s dedication to transforming Nigeria into an economy of opportunities, ensuring food security and supporting local industries.
The minister continued: “With a proven track record of successful partnerships and market development, Origin Tech Group will oversee this initiative, which aims to establish mechanisation hubs nationwide, boosting the agricultural sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”
