Daniel Adaji
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, has emphasized the need for a strategic market system to transform Nigeria’s agriculture from subsistence farming into profitable and sustainable value chains.
Kyari made this known in Abuja on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from Heifer International, led by its President and Chief Executive Officer, Surita Sandosham.
According to the minister, a well-designed market system can connect smallholder farmers to higher-value markets, increase their incomes and strengthen economic resilience. He also noted that effective market strategies would encourage private sector investment in agricultural services, reduce dependence on aid, and create self-sustaining markets.
Kyari further explained that digital platforms and improved market information would enable farmers to negotiate better prices and reduce exploitation by middlemen.
He commended Heifer International for its continued support to Nigeria’s agricultural sector, noting that partnerships with organizations such as Extension Africa, Pullus Africa, Nimsy Agro, Vet Konnect, and Thrive Agric have helped scale agribusiness innovation and improve farmers’ access to services.
The minister also highlighted a collaboration between Heifer International and the Bank of Agriculture aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s mechanisation drive through a digital platform that will track tractor usage, servicing, and maintenance.
In her remarks, Sandosham said Heifer International plans to support two million Nigerian households to achieve sustainable living incomes by 2030.
She added that the organization is working with the Ministry of Agriculture and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to harmonize the National Digital Farmers’ Registry, creating a unified database linked to the National Identification Number to ensure transparency in delivering agricultural interventions.
Sandosham also cited the success of the In-Power Her project in Edo State, which is integrating women and youths into the poultry value chain through partnerships with the state government and the private sector.
She noted that the initiative demonstrates how collaboration between public and private institutions can create profitable opportunities and dignified jobs in rural communities.
