Since the discovery of oil in 1956 by the SHELL- BP, Nigeria has channelled most of her resources to the extraction of crude oil paying less attention to the Agricultural sector of the economy. Nigeria is rich in natural resources especially land and water which requires Agricultural exploitation. A balance in the amount of resources channelled to the Oil and Gas sector and that of the Agricultural sector would increase the GDP of the economy.
The inception of oil in the country paralyzed the growth of the Agricultural sector little more attention would boost the economy even more. The ways the government can boost the Agricultural sector in Nigeria include the following;

Firstly, agro based loans should be granted to farmers. If the government is able to provide these loans and grant them, it would encourage both farmers especially small scale farmers. Not all farmers in Nigeria are able to provide the essentials for farming. These loans would be essential in purchasing some farming instruments and machines, seeds for planting, pesticides to get rid of pests that feed on and destroy crops, hiring of farm aids amongst other things. How can a country producing rice still be one of the largest importers of rice? Months back, the President announced the closure of the border which means importation of rice can no longer take place therefore, Nigerians have to make use of the rice produced in the country. The major complaint here is that the rice isn't clean, there are a lot of dirty and unneeded particles in the rice which isn't suitable for consumption. If Agricultural loans are granted, this will serve as a form of encouragement to farmers who in turn would put in extra effort in producing a more consumable rice and other food crops.

Furthermore, the Agricultural sector in Nigeria can be boosted by subsidizing the farm inputs. Farm inputs like fertilizers, machineries, seeds, pesticides, manure, amongst others can be reduced to a lower price or provided to farmers. Most small scale farmers spend so much to acquire these inputs and don't get nearly as much as profit. With this, no one wants to practice large scale farming, they prefer to practice low budget farming as these inputs come in at high prices. When these things are provided, it will definitely encourage farmers to do more, increase their profit and boost the Agricultural sector of the country.

Lastly, there should be empowerment and enlightenment of youths to join the Agricultural area. Most youths in the country, after graduation, go in search of white collar jobs when in fact, their father's probably have farmlands that could yield a fortune. Youths should be thought that engaging in farm practices doesn't necessarily mean you are uneducated. With the right knowledge in agriculture, one can be a very successful farmer. Yams, rice, beans, tomato, cassava, amongst other crops can be grown and cultivated on one farm land. These products can be sold vastly in the country and exported to other countries. Enlighten the youths on the benefits of farming, encourage them with loans and subsidies and it would definitely boost the Agricultural sector in Nigeria.

The country has been too reliant on Petroleum which is quite worrisome. God blessed Nigeria with a large expanse of land and natural resources which needs attention. The Agricultural sector should not be neglected simply because of the large amount of revenue generated from the Oil and Gas sector. If nearly as much as the resources channelled to the Oil sector is fluted to the Agricultural sector, there would be an effective boost.

Daniella.K.Nduka