Nigeria’s farming sector must change its old image if it wants to grow and solve the country’s food problems. The Group Managing Director of Xtralarge Farms and Resorts, Dr. Moji Davids, has called for a fresh approach to agriculture.

She believes the current picture of farming as hard, dirty work that brings little money is keeping young people away from the sector.

Speaking at the 2026 Vanguard Economic Discourse in Lagos, Dr. Davids explained that agriculture currently wears an “apparel” of poverty and hardship.

This old perception makes graduates prefer other jobs over farming. She stressed that the sector needs to be rebranded as a smart, profitable business that can create wealth, especially through value addition and modern methods.

Xtralarge Farms is already showing the way forward. The company has built a large community of people earning from agribusiness across Nigeria and other countries. It combines farming with tourism at luxury farm resorts and produces healthy food items. Dr. Davids also serves as president of the Female Agri-preneurs Association and is pushing for more women and youth to get involved in modern farming.

Challenges like high post-harvest losses, unstable prices, and rising costs of farm inputs continue to discourage many farmers. Dr. Davids warned that without quick changes, Nigeria could face even bigger food shortages in the coming years. She urged a shift from traditional farming to agribusiness, where farmers plan who they will sell to and add value to their produce.

As the conversation continues, many hope stakeholders will take practical steps to give agriculture a new, attractive face. Making farming appealing to young people and women could help create jobs, improve food security, and support Nigeria’s economy.

The coming months may show whether these calls for change will lead to real action on the ground.