Minister of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has tasked households with producing one-third of what they consume to help bridge the food insecurity gap in the country.
Speaking on “Ending Hunger: Food Availability and Affordability in Nigeria,” the minister stressed the need to look inward to address the country’s challenges, given the country’s enormous potential to achieve food security.
He outlined strategies to modernize the livestock sector and noted that the ministry was overhauling the sector, which has long been neglected, to make it contribute significantly to the economy.
“Everybody must go into producing at least one-third of what they eat,” he said, adding that such effort would reduce pressure on the overall food supply.
According to him, addressing hunger requires tackling both the availability and affordability of food, as these factors are essential for ensuring equitable access to nutritious meals.
Maiha added that the current hunger situation in the country can be eliminated or significantly reduced by deploying the wide range of livestock resources available in Nigeria, which play a significant role in the nation’s economy, food security, and rural livelihoods.
He said the livestock resources in the country provide a strong foundation for Nigeria’s agricultural sector, contributing to economic diversification and employment.
The minister stressed that these resources offer great opportunities for improved breeds, veterinary services, and the development of value-added industries like meat, dairy, and leather processing.
(Guardian)
