Prince Paul Ikonne, Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), has said the authority has begun the cultivation of wheat on 500 hectares of land in the five states of Gombe, Jigawa, Adamawa, Taraba and Bauchi.
Ikonne, who stated this on Monday in Abuja at a media briefing, said the cultivation has commenced during the dry season.
He revealed that many farmers have been gainfully engaged, as three farmers were engaged per hectare in these states.
He also noted that the authority has assisted farmers in these states with land clearing, development and capacity building.
While reeling out some of the achievements of NALDA in its two years of existence after the authority was resuscitated by President Muhammadu Buhari administration, Ikonne said the authority has achieved a lot in its quest to achieve food security in the country.
In view of the giant strides made by the present administration in agricultural development, NALDA boss insisted that Nigeria will not experience food shortage in 2023, contrary to the general belief of some people.
He posited that the government has provided an enabling environment and support to farmers, adding that awareness has also been created for Nigerians, particularly the youths to embrace agriculture.
He said: “I can assure you, as the Lord liveth, Nigeria will not have food shortage in 2023.
“There will not be any food shortage. Any prediction in that regard is a doom prediction.
“This is because awareness is being created. This government of President Muhammadu Buhari is encouraging farmers in all aspects.
