Minister Kyari Advocates Market System for Farming Boost

On Wednesday, Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, proposed a strategic market system aimed at transforming subsistence farming into a competitive sector. This initiative was discussed during a courtesy visit from Heifer International's CEO, Surita Sandosham, in Abuja.

Kyari's design for the market system focuses on connecting smallholder farmers directly to higher-value markets, which is intended to increase their income and foster economic resilience. He highlighted the need for effective market strategies that encourage private sector investment in agricultural services, thereby reducing reliance on aid and creating a sustainable, self-reinforcing market.

The minister also mentioned the importance of digital platforms to provide better market information, enabling farmers to negotiate better prices and reduce exploitation by intermediaries. He acknowledged Heifer International's ongoing support for Nigeria's agricultural development and noted several successful partnerships that have emerged from this collaboration.