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An agriculturist, Dr Fadlullah Issa, on Monday called for better policies and programmes that would enhance food security in Nigeria.
Issa, a Fellow of National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
Issa described food security as access to good foods that are sufficient, safe and nutritious, to maintain human health, especially during natural disasters or emergencies.
“Any country that cannot provide sufficient, safe and nutritious food, especially at these times, is declared as being food insecure,” he said.
Issa called for more effective implementation of existing agriculture policies, adding that more policies that would improve productivity in the sector should be introduced.
“Our policies are not geared toward allowing farmers to have unhindered access to funds for production, and it is really disturbing,” he said.
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According to him, the inflation rate has resulted in high cost of food prices and consequently food insecurity.
In his words, “Reports from the National Bureau of Statistics indicate that our inflation rate is as high as 18 per cent.”
Issa also called for improved budgetary allocation to the agriculture sector for the achievement of food security.
The expert urged that budgetary allocations to the sector should impact farmers much.
He also urged governments to do more to tackle insecurity as a strategy to ensure food security.
(NAN)
