By Muhammad Inuwa M/fashi
Bashir Ahmad, a prominent voice in Nigerian public discourse, recently emphasized the critical role of agriculture in driving development and economic growth in Northern Nigeria. Through a post on his X account, Ahmad called on Northern leaders to prioritize agriculture as a strategic path to transforming the region into a true agricultural hub.
In his statement, Ahmad highlighted the urgent need for Northern Nigeria to take agriculture seriously, emphasizing that the sector holds the key to unlocking the region’s potential and addressing socio-economic challenges. “If we are serious about driving development and economic growth in the North, agriculture must become our top priority,” he said, urging stakeholders to act decisively.
Strategic Investment in Agriculture
Ahmad’s proposal focuses on two critical areas: agricultural storage and processing facilities. According to him, building modern infrastructure for storing and processing farm produce will significantly reduce post-harvest losses and add value to agricultural products. This, he believes, will enhance farmers’ earnings and attract investors to the region.
“Leaders in the North should strategically invest heavily in agricultural storage and processing facilities across the region,” Ahmad wrote, stressing that such investments are essential for making agriculture a profitable venture for local farmers.
Additionally, Ahmad underscored the importance of providing farmers with essential support, including access to quality seeds, fertilizers, irrigation systems, and modern farming equipment. He noted that empowering farmers with these resources would enable them to increase productivity, meet market demands, and compete favorably on both national and international stages.
Transforming the North into an Agricultural Hub
Ahmad painted a compelling vision of Northern Nigeria as a regional agricultural powerhouse. He argued that with the right policies and investments, the region could become a hub for food production and agro-industrial development, benefiting not only the local population but also the entire nation and West Africa.
“When the North is transformed into a true agricultural hub, the benefits will not be just for the region but for the entire nation and the West African continent,” Ahmad stated.
His remarks have sparked conversations about the untapped agricultural potential of the region, which boasts vast arable land and a predominantly agrarian population. Experts believe that with coordinated efforts, Northern Nigeria could address food security challenges, reduce poverty, and diversify the national economy.
Call to Action for Northern Leaders
Ahmad’s statement comes as a wake-up call to Northern leaders and stakeholders to prioritize agricultural development. He urged them to align their policies with the region’s agricultural strengths and seize opportunities for innovation and growth.
Stakeholders have lauded Ahmad’s perspective, with some emphasizing the importance of partnerships between the government, private sector, and international organizations to achieve sustainable agricultural transformation.
The conversation sparked by Ahmad’s post has highlighted the need for actionable plans to turn Northern Nigeria’s agricultural potential into reality. As policymakers deliberate on the region’s development agenda, many hope that Ahmad’s call for strategic investments and support for farmers will pave the way for a brighter future for the North and beyond.
Muhammad Inuwa M/fashi
Social Commentator ainuwa303@gmail.com
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