What's Happening?
The Group Managing Director of Xtralarge Farms and Resorts has urged a significant transformation in Nigeria's agricultural sector. Speaking at the 2026 Vanguard Economic Discourse in Lagos, the leader emphasized the need to reposition agriculture as a profitable
and modern enterprise. The current perception of agriculture as a labor-intensive and low-income venture is discouraging youth participation. The director highlighted the issues of post-harvest losses and unstable pricing, which are affecting farmers' profitability. She called for reforms to make agriculture more attractive and sustainable, particularly for young people and women. The director also mentioned the importance of adding value to agricultural products and integrating tourism to make agriculture more profitable.
Why It's Important?
The call for transformation in Nigeria's agriculture is crucial as it addresses the challenges of food security and economic growth. By repositioning agriculture as a modern and profitable enterprise, it can attract more youth and women, leading to increased participation and innovation in the sector. This shift could help mitigate the looming food crisis predicted by 2028. Additionally, by addressing post-harvest losses and unstable pricing, farmers can achieve better profitability, which is essential for sustaining their livelihoods. The integration of tourism into agriculture could also open new revenue streams, making the sector more resilient and economically viable.
What's Next?
The next steps involve implementing the proposed reforms to transform agriculture into a more attractive and sustainable sector. This includes government intervention to stabilize food pricing and support for value addition in agricultural products. Encouraging youth and women to participate in agriculture through initiatives like the Agri-Wealth Revolution Summit could also be pivotal. The success of these efforts will depend on collaboration between government, private sector, and civil society to create an enabling environment for agribusiness to thrive.
