Bill for military involvement in food production passes second reading in reps

The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed for second reading a bill aimed at enabling the Nigerian Armed Forces to engage in agriculture to enhance food security and foster economic diversification.

Sponsored by Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos), the bill seeks to establish the “Armed Forces Farms and Ranches,” leveraging military resources to boost agricultural output.

Benson, in his lead debate on the bill, 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 clarified that the Defence Farms and Ranches Scheme is not entirely new, as military farms have historically supported military personnel.

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The proposed scheme involves utilising arable military land nationwide to cultivate a variety of crops suited to diverse climates.

Benson noted that it would feature 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.