The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) said it is strengthening and enhancing infrastructure to support the growth of agribusinesses.
Reflecting on his two years in office, the Executive Secretary of the agency, Mr Cornelius Adebayo told journalists in Abuja that agriculture is a highly ‘profitable business’ with the right infrastructure.
Adebayo stated that NALDA opted not to compete with existing agencies that distribute farm inputs adding that the agency has identified agricultural infrastructure as the crucial element needed to revolutionise the sector.
He contended that without well-developed farmland, efficient mechanisation, reliable irrigation systems, adequate storage facilities, and accessible roads, tractors, fertilisers, and superior seedlings alone cannot achieve the desired results.
He said instead of heavily investing in input distribution, the agency is prioritising land development, mechanization centers, and organized farming communities to support commercial agriculture adding that the strategy aligns with President Tinubu’s emphasis on infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth across sectors.
At the heart of this vision lies the Renewed Hope Mega Farm Estate initiative, a flagship programme aimed at creating modern farming communities across the nation.
Each estate will span at least 5,000 hectares, bringing farmers together in organised clusters instead of isolating them in remote rural areas.
This model takes inspiration from agricultural systems in developed countries, where large-scale farming clusters simplify the provision of infrastructure, mechanisation, extension services, financing, and security.
The Executive Secretary said that pilot projects are underway in Ekiti, Kwara, Bauchi, and Plateau states adding that discussions are also ongoing with Enugu, Edo, and Bayelsa states to ensure all geopolitical zones benefit.
He, however noted that the programme requires cooperation with state governments for land allocation noting that the agency develops land for local communities, not for commercial ownership.
‘The beneficiaries of this programme are your indigenous people. NALDA is not taking the land to go into personal business. We are developing it and onboarding the citizens of that area for collective prosperity,’ he said.
He noted that Nigeria is grappling with food insecurity issues, necessitating a multifaceted approach to mitigate this critical issue. In response, the authority has embarked on extensive agricultural initiatives, each encompassing approximately 1,000 hectares. These comprehensive projects integrate agricultural infrastructure development with food production, aiming to expedite food supply and bolster national food security.
Investment in greenhouses
The authority’s strategy includes the Green Hope Project, combining open-field farming with conventional and high-tech greenhouses. Phase one is operational in Giri, Abuja, and Shagamu, Ogun State, supplying vegetables to Abuja and Lagos. Thirty greenhouses already operation in Lagos, with another 50 planned. Abuja has 20 greenhouses and expects an additional 60.
Each greenhouse cluster is surrounded by open-field farms for year-round vegetable production. The Green Hope Project prioritises empowering women. NALDA has created about 38 large horticulture sites nationwide, each at least five hectares.
The program aims to benefit about 4,000 women initially, expanding to all federal constituencies and local government areas. It seeks to decentralize vegetable production, lower transportation costs and post-harvest losses, enhance access to fresh produce, and create sustainable income opportunities for women nationwide.