Sakin Agbayewa, Deputy Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Lagos State Chapter, is urging both Federal and State Governments to embrace the Thailand food model as a strategy to revolutionize farming practices in Nigeria.
Agbayewa emphasized the need for the establishment of specific food zones at state and local government levels, replicating Thailand’s success in rice cultivation. He suggested the creation of rice-free zones, maize-free zones, cassava-free zones, and more to enhance the nation’s food security.
Drawing a comparison between Nigeria and Thailand, Agbayewa highlighted that Thailand’s focused food model for rice cultivation, backed by necessary infrastructure, has made it one of the world’s highest producers of rice, with over 33 million metric tons annually, whereas Nigeria produces only 8.4 million metric tons.
He urged the government to advocate for increased rice production and emulate Thailand’s successful policy, creating specialized zones for various crops. Agbayewa stressed the importance of providing essential facilities like irrigation, solar power, and a robust road network within these zones to make farming more appealing, particularly to the youth.
Additionally, Agbayewa called on South-West governors to recognize the commercial potential of their respective local governments and develop them accordingly. He asserted that this strategic approach would lower production costs by leveraging comparative advantages in technology.
Raising concerns about rice production challenges in Nigeria, including climate, insecurity, insincerity, and high transportation costs, Agbayewa underscored the impact of sincerity on mitigating these issues. He credited President Muhammadu Buhari’s interventions, such as border closures and encouragement of rice farmers, for contributing to the significant increase in rice production.
While acknowledging the progress made, Agbayewa highlighted a 2 million metric tons shortfall in rice production and emphasized the need for sincerity in addressing market challenges. He pointed out the impact of increased local prices due to factors like transportation costs and levies, urging a collective effort to boost rice production in the South-West region, which holds significant purchasing power.
In conclusion, Agbayewa emphasized the importance of sincerity, collaborative efforts, and strategic planning to address the complexities affecting rice production and ensure sustained food security in Nigeria.
