10 Importance of Agriculture in Nigeria
First, let’s take a look at what agriculture is and what it entails before we get into the importance of Agriculture in Nigeria. To many people, agriculture is simply a matter of planting and harvesting crops. Many people are unaware that livestock farming is an important element of agriculture.
In other words, does farming end with planting and harvesting? The answer is no. Agricultural products are produced, processed, promoted, and distributed according to a recent study.
As a result, the significance of agriculture in Nigeria as described in this essay extends well beyond the country’s borders. Every country on Earth can benefit from these principles. Due to agriculture’s vital role in the world’s economies,
Agriculture was the first step in human civilization, no matter where we are now. It is impossible to overstate the significance of agriculture in Nigeria and around the world.
Agriculture’s value extends far beyond its role in producing food and raw materials. The benefits extend far beyond providing jobs for a big portion of Nigeria’s people. As a result, here are Nigeria’s top 10 agricultural priorities.
10 Reasons Why Agriculture Is So Important in Nigeria
A Source Of Income
In Nigeria, agriculture is the primary source of employment. Indeed, agriculture provides a source of income for more than 70% of Nigeria’s people.
Because the non-agricultural sector has been neglected by governments, agriculture employs a large percentage of Nigeria’s people. Most industrialized countries don’t rely on agriculture as a primary source of income.
Contribute to The Gross Domestic Product
Nigeria’s GDP from agriculture grew to 3789720.12 NGN Million in the second quarter of 2018 from 3487312.92 NGN Million in the first quarter of 2018, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics. Agriculture has been a big provider to our national revenue supply of food as well as fodder, based on this result alone.
Agriculture provides sustenance for both humans and animals. Whether you’re a meat-eater or not, the majority of the food you eat originates from farms. Furthermore, agriculture is the source of everything animals eat.
Invigorate Global Commerce
Non-oil exports from Nigeria are dominated by agricultural products. Exported in considerable amounts from Nigeria are cashew nut, moringa leaf, sesame, and many more. All of this is a product of agriculture.
To help Nigeria balance its trade deficit and save foreign currency, exporting these agricultural products is beneficial.
It Boosts Industrialization
Almost all of Nigeria’s businesses rely heavily on agricultural products, either directly or indirectly. For example, Nigeria’s textile industry relies on the country’s abundant supply of cotton. The northern livestock hides are used in the eastern Nigerian shoe industry.
The fast industrialization of Nigeria would be aided by the proper utilization of agricultural goods and byproducts.
A Significant Supply Of Raw Materials
Agriculture also plays an important role in Nigeria’s raw material supply. Raw resources for important businesses such as cotton and jute fabric, sugar, tobacco, and edible as well as non-edible oils are mostly supplied by agriculture.
Many other businesses, such as the processing of fruits and vegetables and the husking of rice, rely heavily on agricultural products for their basic materials.
Resources for Exchanging Currencies
In 2016, President Muhammadu Buhari’s propaganda team claims that Nigeria made N212.73 billion from agricultural exports. That’s a lot of money coming into Nigeria from the sale of agricultural goods. As a result, Nigeria relies heavily on agriculture as a source of foreign currency.
National Bureau of Statistics data shows that cashew nuts in shells are the most commonly exported agricultural product.
Increase The Number of Jobs Available
Agriculture in Nigeria is also important because it provides jobs for people who aren’t directly employed. Professionals who are not farmers construct irrigation projects, farm drainage systems, and farmhouses. As a result, agriculture contributes to Nigeria’s overall economic growth and is a reliable source of savings.
Farmers in Nigeria should expect higher yields and higher profits if the country’s agricultural sector is properly developed. The farmer will be able to save more money as a result of increased sales.
In some cases, farmers may decide to reinvest their profits in the future growth of their business. This shows that Nigeria’s agricultural sector is a major source of economic growth.
Ensure a Sufficient Supply of food
Crops and other farm goods benefit greatly from the increased productivity that comes with mechanized farming. Farm product sufficiency will ensure that every Nigerian gets three meals a day. Exactly what the rest of the world refers to as food security is this.
Agriculture and its practices are the sole means through which food security may be reached. Because of this, agriculture in Nigeria can’t be overstated in importance.
Conclusion
The importance of Agriculture in Nigeria can never be ignored. Agriculture is a critical part of the Nigerian economy and cannot be ignored. Despite these 10 reasons why agriculture is important in Nigeria, the sector continues to be undervalued.
Agriculture was Nigeria’s primary source of money prior to the discovery of oil. Economic data were also quite favorable, including the GDP. Today, on the contrary, the situation is reversed.
Agriculture, unlike oil exploration, does not pose a health or environmental risk. As a result, we can get the benefits of Nigeria’s agriculture while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
A healthy economy depends on a thriving agriculture industry, which will keep jobs coming in for years to come. Its surpluses will be put to good use by expanding into new markets and hiring additional people.
