The logo was unveiled at DHQ on Thursday.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, said Nigeria with its growing population cannot survive on subsistence farming hence, must embrace commercial farming.
Gen. Musa said the multi-billion initiative aims at supporting the federal government’s efforts and facilitating sustainable food security in the country.
He said: “In Nigeria now, with our population of over 200 million, we cannot rely on subsistence farming. We must go commercial. And it is by expanding this that we can achieve that.
“This event is therefore a major turning point in our collective quest for improved national security. As we are all aware, the agricultural sector plays a crucial role in guaranteeing food security which is requisite for sustainable national security.
“Unfortunately, in recent years, the adverse impact of climate change, environmental degradation and conflict across some parts of the Country has continuously threatened food security with dire consequences on national security.
“To address this, the Defence Headquarters in May 2023, conceptualised the Defence Farm and Agro-Allied Products initiative with the aim of keying into the federal government’s efforts at addressing food security challenges in the Country” he said.
Gen. Musa explained that the initiative is also aimed at creating job opportunities and enhancing rural infrastructural development while significantly contributing to food security in the Country.
He said: “Considering the extensive consultation, planning and preparation made by the Committee thus far, I am optimistic that the Defence Farm and Agro-Allied Products initiative will have a positive transformative impact on host communities while enhancing national security. With similar initiatives replicated across the Country.
“I envision a future characterized by modernized farming techniques in which the agricultural sector significantly contributes to economic growth and national development. To this end, I enjoin all members of the Armed Forces and the general public to embrace this laudable initiative and maximise its associated gains,”.
The Chairman Defence Farms Committee Major General IM Abdullahi said Agriculture remains the live wire of the Nigerian economy, with about 80 percent of the population identified as small holder farmers who produce over 90 percent of the domestic output out of 33 percent of its arable land.
Abdullahi added that crop production remains the dominant agricultural activity in Nigeria leaving other aspects.
“The country has a vast, diversified and cultural environment that is fertile and rich in biodiversity with good rainfall patterns, conducive temperatures and fresh water that can grow and support almost any type of crop that exists in the world,” he said.
(C )The Nation
