HARD TALK: Hon. Dangundi cautions stakeholders against fictitious food production data

Hon. Munir Danagundi, a serving member of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, has urged stakeholders in the wheat production sector to ensure the accuracy of the food production data they present.

He warned that misleading or inflated figures could have significant consequences on national policy and agricultural planning. Danagundi made this statement during a one-day workshop organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Abuja, aimed at validating the National Wheat Strategy Document for Self-Sufficiency.

 

Hon. Danagundi emphasized that realistic and truthful data is essential for shaping effective government policies, particularly in the wheat sector, which is vital for Nigeria’s food security. He explained that providing inaccurate production figures could distort decision-making processes and undermine efforts to develop the sector. He further noted that accurate data is necessary to guide investments, resource allocation, and the implementation of agricultural policies that can boost local production and reduce reliance on imports.

The workshop, attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including farmers, policymakers, researchers, and industry experts, focused on refining the National Wheat Strategy Document. The document’s objective is to help Nigeria achieve self-sufficiency in wheat production, reduce the country’s dependence on imports, and ensure a stable and affordable supply of wheat for local consumption.

Danagundi stressed that the success of the wheat self-sufficiency initiative depends on the credibility of the data used by all stakeholders involved. He called for a unified approach, where everyone, from government bodies to local farmers, works together to provide honest and realistic production figures. By doing so, he argued, stakeholders can ensure that strategies and policies are based on facts, thus promoting sustainable growth in the wheat sector.

The National Wheat Strategy Document, developed in collaboration with various sector stakeholders, aims to boost wheat production through modern farming techniques, increased funding, and enhanced support for local farmers. Danagundi highlighted that this initiative could significantly transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape if the data provided is accurate and reflects the true state of the wheat production industry.

During the workshop, participants also engaged in discussions about the challenges facing wheat producers, such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to modern farming technology, and insufficient funding. Solutions were proposed to overcome these barriers and ensure that the wheat sector grows in a sustainable manner.

In conclusion, Hon. Danagundi reiterated the importance of honesty and accuracy in reporting agricultural data. He emphasized that accurate data would be fundamental to the successful implementation of the National Wheat Strategy, ultimately helping Nigeria to achieve self-sufficiency in wheat production and secure its agricultural future.