The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has declared ‘Operation Empty the Store,’ which will involve the massive distribution of stored agricultural equipment and inputs to farmers across the country.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, stated this during a one-day workshop organised for members of the Agriculture Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ACAN) in Abuja.
According to the Permanent Secretary, this move aims to ensure that tools and resources stored by the ministry are utilised effectively to boost food production across the country.
“We will be embarking on ‘Operation Empty the Store.’ This means that all the equipment and inputs in our stores, which are not meant to stay idle, will be distributed to farmers to help feed the nation,” he said.
While emphasising the pivotal role of agriculture in addressing economic challenges and driving diversification, Ogunbiyi enumerated the need to mobilise, educate, and sensitise Nigerians on embracing agriculture as a tool for national development.
He, however, commended the media for their roles in promoting public awareness and holding the government accountable.
“We will share our vision, goals, and achievements in agriculture under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This agenda focuses on agricultural development, food security, job creation, and enhancing farmers’ livelihoods.”
In his remarks, Director of the Department of Information in the ministry, Dr Joel Oruche, emphasised the ministry’s broad mandate, which includes food security, employment generation, wealth creation, agribusiness activities, and rural development.
“The ministry has made significant progress in diversifying the country’s economy through numerous ongoing projects and programmes across various departments,” Dr Oruche added.
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