Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, announced that the suspension of import duties on certain food items will remain in place only until the next harvest, anticipated around October or November this year. This statement was made during an interview with Channels TV on Sunday in Abuja.
Minister Kyari emphasized that the federal government’s decision to import food items is a temporary strategy aimed at curbing food inflation and will not be a permanent measure. He pointed out that the country is expecting a significant harvest in the upcoming months, which should lead to a considerable reduction in food prices.
“We are talking about an importation level of 300,000 to 400,000 metric tonnes per month for all the five crops. It will last only till harvest, which is around October or November this year. We’re expecting a bumper harvest,” Kyari stated.
Further explaining the context of the importation, Minister Kyari noted that this action is necessitated by the cyclical nature of the agricultural season. The country is currently in what is known as the lean season, characterized by low production and yield of certain crops. This season spans from June to August, before the next harvest cycle begins.
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Kyari explained that the lean season has led to decreased crop yields and consequently higher prices of staple foods in the market. To mitigate these effects, the federal government has decided to temporarily import specific food items.
“The season that we find ourselves in now is a cyclical issue inherent in agriculture,” Kyari elaborated. “This lean season, occurring between June, July, and August, is why the President has decided to import rice, maize, wheat, and other staple foods. This measure will remain in place until the harvest begins.”
The Minister also highlighted the administrative steps being taken to facilitate this importation. “As soon as all the fiscal issues have been worked out and the Ministry of Finance and Customs have issued the necessary guidelines, the importation process will proceed,” Kyari added.
In summary, the government’s temporary suspension of import duties and the importation of food items are strategic responses to the current agricultural lean season, aimed at stabilizing food prices until the anticipated bumper harvest in October or November.