The Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development (FMARD) is a Ministry of the Federal Government of Nigeria that has the mandate to ensure food security in crops, livestock, and fisheries, stimulate agricultural employment and services, promote the production and supply of raw materials to Agro-allied industries, provide markets for the products of the industrial sector, generate foreign exchange and aid rural Socio-economic development throughout Nigeria. Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar is the current Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The mandates of the Departments and Parastatals centre around the Ministry’s general functions of;

Creating a conducive environment to stimulate greater sector participation in agriculture to enable the business side to assume it’s appropriate role as the engine of economic growth.
Increasing agricultural production through the promotion of supportive and service-oriented sub-sectoral activities to enhance production, productivity and marketing opportunities.
Developing the seed industry and technology as the foundation of sustainable practice.
Promoting the research and development of appropriate agricultural technology including biotechnology to transform agricultural production and productivity
Promoting agro-processing, preservation and storage to reduce pre- and post-harvest losses to the barest minimum.
Promoting the timely availability of adequate and quality agro–inputs to enhance production.
Developing an efficient competitive and self–sustaining production, health and management of improved livestock species in the country to meet the protein needs of the populace and the raw materials requirements of industries.
Intensifying settlement programmes for pastoralists by providing necessary facilities at the grazing reserves and supporting ranching facilities.
Developing integrated Pest Control and Management System for sustainable crop and livestock production in the country.
Providing virile national animal, fisheries and plant quarantine services.
Increasing the level and widening the scope of insurance coverage of agricultural production to reduce risk and losses attendant to agricultural production.
Maintaining the Strategic National Food Reserve Programme for purposes of food security and market stability.
Promoting an efficient and effective credit administration system.
Coordinating agricultural and rural development data and information management system.
Inventorying land resources and controlling land use and degradation, as well as promoting climatic change adaptation and resilience practices.
Building capacity and vocational skills to impact on agricultural best practices to all stakeholders.
Encouraging agricultural commodities development and marketing institutions.
Sustaining the development of the artisanal, industrial and aquaculture fisheries potentials of the country for self-sufficiency in fish production and export.
Stimulating the technology of production and processing to take advantage of untapped resources in the fishery sector.
Promoting effective linkage between research and farmers through efficient agricultural extension services.
Collaborating with States and Local Governments and other stakeholders in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of agricultural policies, programmes and projects in the country.
Mobilizing and empowering the rural communities through increased agricultural, industrial and other non-farm activities for the improvement of livelihoods.
Promoting rural health, nutrition and infrastructural development.
Mainstreaming gender and youth related agricultural and rural development programmes.
Organizing and promoting strong cooperative groups in the various sub-sectors.
Collaborating with development partners on agricultural development initiatives.
Ensuring the competitiveness of Nigeria’s agricultural products to derive maximum advantage from the provisions of bilateral, regional and multilateral institutions agreements, conventions and treaties without compromising national interest.

Background

Prior to Nigeria’s independence in 1960, the agricultural sector served the purpose of growing and exporting cash crop production to the United Kingdom to support the development of the British industrial revolution era. During the period, agricultural processing was minimal but there was sufficient commodity output for consumption in the domestic economy.

Created in 1966, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources passed through a serial modification of appellations to suit the prevailing climes of mergers and demergers with related sectors. All the same, the adjustment enabled the Federal Government to play a leading role in promoting agricultural activities in the country.

Mandate

Ensure food security in crops, livestock, and fisheries, stimulate agricultural employment and services, promote the production and supply of raw materials to agro-industries, provide markets for the products of the industrial sector, generate foreign exchange, and aid rural socio-economic development”

Mission

Organize and manage the agriculture sector and facilitate agribusiness for increased food security and employment along commodity value chains and agro-industrial development to earn foreign exchange and contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.