The federal government has sought the collaboration and partnership of private sector in the agric value chain to assist in achieving food security and sustainable self-sufficiency of Nigerians.

This was just as the Ekiti State government also sought the assistance of the federal government to help in production of two million metric tonnes of cassava by 2026.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, who gave the advice on support, yesterday, during his working visit to the Agbeyewa Farms located in Ipao-Ekiti in Ikole Local Council of the state,said that President Bola Tinubu’s policy on food security had started yielding positive result, adding said that “within some months, we have started seeing the prices of commodities and foodstuff going down up to 60 per cent.

He said: “This visit is an eye-opener, and it is our responsibility to report back to the President on how investments like this can be supported and enhanced.

“We have been talking about how to wrap up the production of cassava. We are here to see what we can do or how we can collaborate and partner to achieve the goal of food security.”

The minister, who spoke after landing at the Ekiti International Cargo Airport, said: “I didn’t realise the significance of the airport until I saw it today when we landed. I raised my head and saw the Ado-Ekiti Agro-Allied International Airport, and it completely amazed me.

“I have seen similar facilities elsewhere, but this is what it truly means to advance food security and agro-allied industries. This is not just about food production and processing; it is also about facilitating access to markets where these products can generate income.”

In his welcome address, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Agbayewa Farms, Seyi Aiyeleso, said the farm would cultivate 5,000 hectares of cassava plantation in 2025.

Also speaking on the occasion, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Ebenezer Boluwade, said the government stored thousands of metric tonnes of grains to help mitigate food inflation in the state.

“We believe that by the grace of God, cassava production in Ekiti State is close to two million but before the end of the first term of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, we will double it to four million.

“With support from the federal government, we aim to accelerate this progress. We are clearing land for our farmers in designated clusters, with hundreds of them benefiting from this initiative. Agbeyewa Farms will play a crucial role in aggregating, processing, and distributing cassava,” he said.