The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, said that the suspension of import duties on certain food items into the country will remain in effect only until the next harvest, expected around October or November this year.
Kyari made this declaration during an interview with newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.
The Minister highlighted that the importation of food items is a temporary measure by the federal government to curb food inflation and will not continue indefinitely.
He mentioned that the country is expected to have a substantial harvest in the coming months, which is anticipated to reduce food prices significantly.
Speaking further, Kyari also explained that the Importation of these food items is as a result of the cyclical issue in farming season.
According to him, the country is currently experiencing a lean season in agriculture, leading to low production and yield of certain crops in the farmlands.
The Minister said this is why the federal government is resorting to specific food items to reduce the impact of these low-yield crops and high prices of staple food in the market.
