Abuja: Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, announced plans by the Federal Government to utilize drone technology for year-round farming. This initiative was disclosed during a briefing with State House correspondents, emphasizing the government’s commitment to modernizing agriculture through technological integration.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Kyari highlighted the efficiency of drones in agricultural processes, stating, “The faster we clear land, harvest, chemical deployment, whether it’s pesticide, whether it’s herbicide, the better. We intend to use drone technology in doing that because what one drone can do, a hundred people cannot do in a day.” This approach is aimed at accelerating agricultural activities and ensuring land is available promptly for subsequent cultivation cycles.
Kyari further elaborated on the ministry’s plan to collaborate with the private sector, aiming to engage vibrant youths in its mechanization program. He emphasized the importance of perceiving agriculture not only as a means of sustenance but also as a viable business opportunity. “It is very important to also educate our farmers that agriculture is no longer for the stomach only. It should also be seen as a business, something that will earn a livelihood,” he stated.
The minister pointed out the need to shift the mindset of smallholder farmers, suggesting that private sector funding could play a crucial role in supporting agricultural production. “So, what we have seen that input support may not necessarily be what will incentivize our smallholder farmers to produce. I think we need to change the mindset and see how we can engage them in such a way that funding from the private sector should support agricultural production,” Kyari concluded.