NiMet, NIRSAL Join Forces to Boost Food Production

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending(NIRSAL) have partnered to boost agricultural productivity in Nigeria through collaboration on several projects targeted at smallholder farmers.

This was disclosed in a press release issued by NiMet on Wednesday in Abuja, following a meeting between the Director General and Chief Executive Officer, NiMet, Charles Anosike, and the Managing Director, NIRSAL, Abbas Masanawa, at NIRSAL Plc headquarters.

According to Masanawa, Anosike and his team have been doing very well not only in aviation but in agriculture as well.

NIRSAL is interested in collaborating with them to support smallholder farmers for increased productivity.

Anosike also emphasizes the critical importance of taking immediate action against climate change and ensuring that smallholder farmers receive early warnings about potential climate disasters.

Part of the statement read: “NiMet is keen on exploring opportunities for both NiMet and NIRSAL to partner in de-risking agriculture. With the work that NiMet does and the data it generates on a daily basis, this will help farmers to plan effectively and efficiently.

“The urgency of climate action requires that critical stakeholders collaborate, invest in preparedness and ensure that smallholder farmers are protected by early warnings of climate disaster,” Anosike also added.

Anosike emphasized that climate change has a direct impact on agricultural activities and crop yield, underscoring the necessity of utilizing data-driven approaches to mitigate risks across the agricultural value chain.

“Climate change impacts greatly on farming activities and agricultural yield, hence the need for data-driven farming operations. This will help to de-risk the agricultural value chain.” he noted.

He added that the partnership with NiMet holds significant strategic importance, particularly in amplifying primary production for the benefit of vulnerable farmers.

He also applauded NiMet’s efforts in translating weather and climate data into local Nigerian languages, making this essential information more accessible and comprehensible to a wider population.

To expedite the collaborative efforts between NiMet and NIRSAL, Masanawa announced the formation of a technical committee consisting of experts from both entities.

He said the committee will spearhead initiatives such as training programs, data sharing, and the establishment of weather stations to swiftly address various areas of mutual interest.
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​Agro Nigeria / Foluke Ibitomi