The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with Origin Tech Group, has launched the “Greener Hope Agricultural Productivity Programme” to boost food production in Nigeria.
Approved by the Federal Executive Council, this Agro-Development Syndicated Facility aims to increase food production by one million tonnes and double farmers’ earnings.
Origin Tech Group, is known for its innovative home-grown solutions in sectors like food systems, automotive, civil engineering, and construction.
Speaking on the programme, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, lauded the group’s revolutionary approach, stating that the project aims to develop an integrated food security system combining food production, logistics, and market hubs across 150,000 hectares nationwide.
Kyari noted that the programme had the potential to create about 1.5 million jobs and reduce food prices by approximately 25%. “It will provide essential irrigation equipment, mechanisation tools, and land clearing for large farms ranging from a minimum of 2,000 hectares to a maximum of 25,000 hectares per cluster. This demonstrates Nigeria’s pioneering effort in establishing an integrated food security system through large-scale agricultural mechanisation,” he said.
“The programme intends to achieve its objectives within three years, starting with the 2024 dry season farming. It has a funding timeline of 10 years and focuses on crops of immediate coverage.”
According to him, it will initially focus on crops of immediate coverage, aiming for rapid impact.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier underscored the importance of the Greener Hope Agricultural Productivity Programme, describing it as a cardinal project of his administration. He reiterated the government’s commitment to food security and the protection of local industries.
“The Greener Hope Agricultural Productivity Programme is a critical platform for addressing the challenges in Nigeria’s agricultural mechanisation,” Tinubu stated. “This initiative will deploy advanced agricultural machinery and technology to enhance agro-value chain productivity, transforming Nigeria into an economy of opportunities, ensuring food security, and supporting local industries.”
Origin Tech Group, with over 25 years of experience and a proven track record of successful partnerships and market development, is expected to oversee the establishment of mechanisation hubs nationwide. These hubs are anticipated to significantly boost the agricultural sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
