ibironkeeniola 
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has called on the Nigerian Government and private entities to create and prioritize plausible incentives and fundings for farmers across the country.
The food agency noted that this was significant in ensuring an increase in agricultural output and diversifying the production of high quality foods.
The FAO gave the charge on Wednesday in Maiduguri, through the Head of Office, FAO Northeast, Al Hassan Cisse, while representing the Director-General of the FAO, Qu Dong Yu, to mark the World Food Day under the theme “Healthy Diets for a Zero Hunger World.”
According to Cisse, “Governments need to adopt policies for food standards and regulations that prioritize the availability and affordability of safe and nutritious foods. Farmers need better incentives to increase and diversify the production of high-quality food.”
He stated that for the food system to thrive in the country, there is need to back it up with a strong political commitment for collective synergy and holistic design of agriculture and food chains.
While urging other bodies to key into agriculture, Cisse said, “Research Institutions need to provide the best scientific advice and push the boundaries of knowledge and technology.
“The private sector can positively influence the food environment by adapting its products to modern nutritional recommendations. Individuals also need to think about their food choices and eating patterns through awareness and learning,” he added.
Cisse also noted that the FAO is dedicated to strengthening the capacity of countries to evaluate and monitor the nutrition situation, supports knowledge transfer and provides food standards
He added, “We also want to increase the production and consumption of high-quality food through investors in agriculture, regulatory frameworks, technologies and innovations.”
On her part, Commissioner, Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries Development in Borno State, Comrade Juliana Bitrus, said the Zero Hunger theme was crucial to the Northeast, where levels of food insecurity and malnutrition are still a major concern due to the insurgency.
In her words, “I will like to reiterate that the fight against hunger and malnutrition is both national and global. Zero Hunger goes beyond hunger; it means enough nutritious food for everyone, everywhere, with the aim of making healthy diets available to all.”
She further stated that the Federal Government is doing the very best to address hunger and produce more foods, particularly in the Northeast.
SOURCE: AGRONIGERIA