World Food Day: PARE urges increased budgetary allocation to agriculture for food security
By Ahmed Ahmed
As the world marks the 2025 World Food Day, the Pastoral Resolve (PARE), a non-profit organization, has appealed to the Nigerian government to increase annual budgetary allocations to the agricultural sector to ensure food security and sustainable livelihoods.
This year’s celebration, themed “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” aligns with PARE’s mission of promoting nutrition, environmental sustainability, community development, and skills training.
The call was contained in a statement signed by Mr. Mutari Garba, of the Knowledge and Communication Unit, PARE Bauchi Office, and endorsed by its State Coordinator, Shuaibu Aliyu Kobi.
Kobi noted that food remains one of the basic necessities of life, stressing that “a nation is considered viable for investment when it is food-sufficient.
He expressed concern that Nigeria’s current budgetary allocation to agriculture remains below global standards, limiting farmers’ capacity to cultivate diverse crops and meet the country’s growing food needs.
“The government can play a vital role by providing farming inputs to local farmers at subsidized and affordable prices.
“Such support will motivate unemployed youths to embrace agriculture, reduce restiveness, and help achieve national food security.” Kobi said.
PARE commended Nigerian farmers for their sacrifices and resilience in feeding the nation despite challenges such as the soaring cost of fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and farm machinery.
The organization urged relevant authorities to intervene and make essential inputs accessible to smallholder farmers.
Reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the agricultural value chain, PARE said it would continue orienting farmers on marketable crops, modern farming techniques, and innovations to boost productivity and income.
The group concluded by calling on all levels of government to increase funding, employ more agricultural extension officers, and encourage youth participation in farming.
