The federal government says it has declared a state of emergency on food production to ensure food sufficiency in the country.
Vice President, Kashim Shettima made the disclosure while delivering a lecture at the 13th convocation of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State.
According to him the nation’s reliance on oil since the early 70s and the neglect of the agricultural sector were responsible food insecurity in the country.
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He said the challenge assumed a disturbing proportion as a result of policy inconsistencies, mismanagement of resources, corruption, climate change, insurgencies, as well as natural disasters,
Vice President Settimah, identified the roles of tertiary institutions in assisting Federal Government to promote food security through research.
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He said no appreciable progress can be made in agricultural production without mechanization.
Vice President Shettima commended governor AbdulRazq for the various agricultural initiatives introduced by his administration to boost food production in the state.