FG Initiates Pilot of Digital Farmer ID System in Nasarawa
Lagos, Nigeria – The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) has announced its readiness to commence the pilot phase of a comprehensive farmer identity management system in Nasarawa State. This technologically driven initiative will utilize the National Identification Number (NIN) as a primary tool for verifying and meticulously documenting farmers across the state.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, during his address at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) digital village initiative (DVI) workshop held in Lagos on Thursday. This development follows the ministry’s earlier launch of a farmer registry five months prior, in January of this year, which aimed to establish crucial linkages between farmers and available farmlands. Speaking at the workshop, Minister Kyari emphasized that this new digital system is poised to significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of agricultural policy planning and implementation.
“It is indeed noteworthy that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, under my leadership, has adopted a pragmatic approach to harness technological solutions and readily available biometric data for the precise identification, thorough enumeration, and accurate documentation of genuine farmers and their respective farmlands,” stated Minister Kyari.
He further elaborated on the collaborative nature of the project, stating, “We are pioneering the integration of the National Identification Number to authenticate Nigeria’s comprehensive farmers’ registers. This groundbreaking effort is being undertaken in close collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). We have formalized this partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the NIMC, and we are now advancing towards the pilot implementation phase in Nasarawa State. I am resolute in my commitment to deliver a world-class farmer identity management system to Nigeria’s agricultural sector. This system will serve as a critical component in establishing the primary data infrastructure necessary for informed planning and effective implementation of various agricultural interventions at both the national and sub-national levels.”
FG Underscores Commitment to FAO Partnership
Minister Kyari also reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Federal Government to the advancement of digital agriculture and its dedication to working in close partnership with the FAO to achieve sustainable food security. He highlighted the seamless alignment of the new digital identity system with the core objectives of the FAO’s DVI. “The complementary technological solution involves the strategic application of geo-spatial technologies for the precise geo-referencing of farmlands, the establishment of their virtual boundaries, and the accurate geo-tagging of farmers to their respective agricultural landholdings,” Minister Kyari explained. He emphasized the transformative potential of digital agriculture, noting its capacity to revolutionize Nigeria’s agricultural sector, significantly improve national food security, and serve as a robust catalyst for economic growth.
“By proactively embracing technological innovations and strategically addressing existing challenges within the agricultural landscape, Nigeria can pave a clear pathway towards a more sustainable and ultimately more prosperous agricultural future,” Minister Kyari asserted.
He provided further assurance, stating, “Let me unequivocally assure you that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is fully committed to driving this crucial digital transformation agenda within the agricultural and food security domain. We firmly recognize that technology is not merely a luxury or an optional add-on; it is an absolute necessity if we are to effectively feed our rapidly growing population and successfully meet the ambitious targets outlined in the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy, as well as the globally recognized Sustainable Development Goals.” The Minister concluded his address by calling for greater stakeholder engagement and a shared sense of responsibility to ensure the successful implementation and widespread adoption of digital farming practices.
“We would like to extend our sincere and profound appreciation to the FAO for their invaluable technical support and exemplary leadership in championing this vital initiative,” Minister Kyari acknowledged. “We are confident in the continuation of this crucial partnership as we collectively embark on this transformative journey to build smart, resilient, and highly productive digital villages across the entirety of Nigeria.”
Minister Kyari concluded with a compelling vision for the future of Nigerian agriculture, stating that with the right collaborative spirit and strategic application of technology, the sector can transition “from subsistence to sustainability, from isolation to seamless integration, and ultimately, from a state of vulnerability to one of significant and enduring value creation.”
