By ERICJAMES OCHIGBO

A bill for an act to establish Armed Forces Farms and Ranches Scheme to enhance food security, promote economic diversification and other related matters has scaled second reading at the House of Representatives.

The bill, which was sponsored by Rep. Babajimi Benson (APC-Lagos state) enjoyed overwhelming support at plenary on Tuesday.

Leading the debate on the bill, Benson said that the initiative is aimed at boosting agricultural production by leveraging on the resources and capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

He said that It was about a broader effort to diversify the economy, reduce reliance on oil revenue and address food security challenges.

Benson said that the Defence Farms and Ranches scheme is not a new initiative, but built on earlier efforts by the government to involve the military in agricultural production.

He explained that the military farms have existed in various forms, primarily for the sustenance of military personnel.

?By involving the military in agricultural activities, the scheme aim to increase food production and contribute to national food security, leverage extensive land holdings, manpower and organisational capacity of the military.

?It will support Nigeria?s broader economic diversification strategy by promoting agriculture as a viable economic alternative to oil.

?The military will not have to source any land as it will allocate land for farming from its own arable land located in various parts of the country, making it possible to cultivate different types of crops suited for different climatic conditions.

?The scheme will involve effective collaboration strategy with other ministries and agencies of government, while employing integrated farming systems which combine crop cultivation with livestock and fish farming to maximise land use efficiency and enhance biodiversity.

?The scheme will contribute to higher agricultural productivity and output, which can help stabilise food prices and reduce imports.

?It will create jobs for both military personnel and civilians, thus helping to reduce unemployment, while impacting valuable skill that can be used in future agricultural and economic activities,? he said.

The lawmaker said that by increasing agricultural production, the scheme would support local economies and contribute to overall economic growth.

He said that the nexus between insecurity, food security and hunger had been identified as a major driver of insurgency.

Benson said that military involvement in agriculture would stimulate the economy, reduce youth restiveness and criminality while serving as a non kinetic approach to fighting the menace of insecurity.

The Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu referred the bill to the Committee on Defence for further legislative action. (NAN)

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