Ministry of Agriculture Launches ‘Operation Empty the Store’ to Boost Food Security

In a bid to enhance food production and ensure the effective use of resources, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has launched “Operation Empty the Store,” a nationwide initiative to distribute agricultural equipment and inputs to farmers across the country.

The announcement was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, during a one-day workshop organized for members of the Agriculture Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ACAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.

The initiative is designed to ensure that the agricultural tools and resources currently in the ministry’s stores, which have been lying idle, are put to use by farmers to support national food production.

“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,” Dr. Ogunbiyi stated.

The Permanent Secretary also stressed the critical role of agriculture in addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges and diversifying the economy.

He highlighted the need for greater mobilization, education, and sensitization of Nigerians on the importance of agriculture in driving national development.

“We must continue to work towards making agriculture a key tool for economic growth, food security, job creation, and poverty alleviation in the country,” he said.

Dr. Ogunbiyi further acknowledged the crucial role of the media in spreading awareness and holding the government accountable in its efforts to promote agricultural development.

“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,” he added.

The Director of the Department of Information in the Ministry, Dr. Joel Oruche, also spoke at the workshop, emphasizing the ministry’s broader mandate to promote food security, employment generation, and wealth creation.

He outlined the ministry’s ongoing projects and programs designed to diversify the country’s economy, promote agribusiness, and enhance rural development.

“The ministry has made significant progress in diversifying the country’s economy through numerous ongoing projects and programs across various departments,” Dr. Oruche said.

“Operation Empty the Store” represents a significant step in ensuring that the country’s agricultural resources are utilized effectively to tackle food insecurity and promote sustainable economic growth.

As Nigeria continues its efforts to diversify its economy and strengthen its agricultural sector, this initiative aims to empower local farmers, improve food production, and create jobs.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security remains committed to addressing the challenges of food security and driving Nigeria’s agricultural transformation under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

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