The Bill seeking to involve the Nigerian Armed Forces to engage in agriculture production to enhance food security and foster economic diversification has passes a second reading at the plenary of House of Representatives yesterday. The bill was sponsored by Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos), as it seeks to establish the “Armed Forces Farms and Ranches,” leveraging military resources to boost agricultural output.
Debating his bill, Benson said this initiative aligns with the country’s economic diversification strategy by reducing oil dependency and addressing food security challenges, building upon existing efforts like the Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited and the Command Agriculture Initiative.
Benson recalled that in Nigeria, the Defence Farms and Ranches Scheme is not entirely new idea, as military farms have historically supported military personnel in augmenting its food production.
The proposed scheme if finally approved would involve utilising arable military land nationwide to cultivate a variety of crops suited to diverse climates.
Meanwhile, the lawmaker noted that it would feature into a collaborative strategy with relevant ministries and agencies and use integrated farming practices that combine crop cultivation with livestock and fish farming, optimising land use and enhancing biodiversity.