How the Verifiable Farmers' Register Will be Established Stated FG

The Federal Government has unveiled its intention to create a verifiable database of authentic farmers throughout Nigeria. In a statement released on Thursday, Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, announced that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security will collaborate with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to establish a comprehensive register of farmers. This initiative aims to facilitate the delivery of agricultural interventions directly to legitimate farmers in the country. Kyari indicated that the initial phase of the project will focus on registering two million farmers within the next three months. Following this, the registration process will expand to encompass six million farmers in the second phase, with the ultimate objective of including all farmers across the nation. He noted, “Many Federal Government interventions fail to reach authentic farmers and agro-dealers due to the lack of a verifiable database of farmers nationwide.” Kyari further explained, “The agreement we have signed with the National Identity Management Commission pertains to the creation of a farmers’ register.” The register will utilize the platform provided by NIMC, specifically the National Identification Number (NIN) and the National Identity Card, which will contain comprehensive biometric data of individual farmers. In addition to personal information, the register will also capture essential details such as the location of farmland, types of crops cultivated, soil characteristics, and farming practices, including the use of irrigation or rain-fed systems. Kyari stressed, “This register will ensure that interventions and support are directed towards genuine farmers.” The minister also highlighted that this initiative aims to tackle issues related to “portfolio farmers and ghost farmers,” ensuring that government resources are allocated to those who genuinely need assistance.