Kyari calls for youth-driven innovation in Nigeria’s agriculture sector
Nigeria’s agriculture minister told youth entrepreneurs on Saturday they must lead food system changes through technology and business innovation. Abubakar Kyari said President Bola Tinubu placed farming at the center of development plans that prioritize national stability through adequate production.
The government shifted from directive policies to collaborative strategies, in which young farmers help design programs that affect their work. Kyari announced 2,000 tractors and 9,000 implements will support the largest mechanization effort in the country’s history while creating jobs in equipment maintenance and services.
Bank of Agriculture received 1.5 trillion naira in new capital to expand financing for women and youth-led agricultural enterprises. The National Agricultural Development Fund will provide resources to help innovators scale projects from concept to commercial operations.
The minister praised entrepreneurs advancing drone applications, biofortified crops, and soilless cultivation methods. Abdulsalam Umar from Matura Agro earned recognition for establishing the first large-scale alfalfa grass production for export markets that demonstrate commercial viability in modern farming.
