The federal government has called on schools across the country to key into the Young Farmers’ Club initiative as part of efforts to boost food security, productivity, and agricultural inclusivity.
Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, made the call during a visit to the first UBE Primary School, Pasali, Kuje, as part of activities marking World Food Day.
Mr Abdullahi said the initiative would increase awareness of agriculture as a viable and dignified profession while equipping students with modern farming skills and reviving interest in the sector.
“The programme fosters entrepreneurship, responsibility, and self-reliance through practical training and home farming projects,” the minister said.
He noted that the idea was reinforced during a prior visit to Government Girls Secondary School, Dutse, as part of the 2024 World Food Day celebration.
The minister also commended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for promoting home-based farming through her “Every Home a Garden” initiative, which aligned with national food security goals.
At the Kuje school, Mr Abdullahi inspected student-run horticultural projects and encouraged them to embrace the mantra, “Produce what you eat and eat what you produce.”
He directed the horticulture department of the ministry to support the school’s club under the Urban Agriculture programme, stressing the importance of all-year-round farming.
Mr Abdullahi also revealed that the government was currently reviewing school curricula to integrate agriculture at all educational levels.
Also speaking, Minister of Livestock Development Idi Maiha advocated for including animal husbandry in school farming programmes to provide students with a full understanding of food production.
“Children shouldn’t think food comes from the supermarket. Someone has to work in the field,” Maiha said.
He announced plans to introduce grass varieties for animal feed production, stating that livestock was the missing ingredient in school agriculture.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Emmanuel Ndubisi thanked the ministers for their support, noting that students had already begun cultivating crops like okra, corn, and groundnut.
The minister also visited Government Secondary Schools in Karshi and Karu, where he presented farm inputs to students to support ongoing agricultural projects.
(NAN)