Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, has described Nigerian farmers as the poorest when compared with their counterparts in other climes....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Oyebanji, who stated this yesterday in Abuja when he paid a courtesy call on the ministers of agriculture and food security, Abubakar Kyari and Abdullahi Sabi, attributed the problem to the influence of the middlemen.
He, however, noted that his administration was partnering agricultural institutes to change the narrative.
“In most countries farmers are the richest. But here, they are the poorest simply because they work for the middlemen.
“We have tried to cut that one off. Regarding infrastructure, RAMP is going to take effect in Ekiti State. We are also in collaboration with a lot of agric institutes for knowledge transfer. We want to subsidize tractor hiring.
“My visit here today is for us to be part of the agro processing scheme in the dry and wet season farming,” he said.
Kyari, on his part, reiterated the willingness of the federal government to address some the problems bedeviling the sector like the round-tripping in connivance with agro-dealers and poor validation of farmers’ data in parts of the participating states.
According to him, the goal of the President Bola Tinubu-led Administration is ensure food security and drive down food inflation.
He said: “As we look forward, it is imperative for us to tackle some of the challenges observed during the ongoing wheat dry season farming in the 15 participating states, avoid re-occurence in the second phase for rice, maize and cassava and ensure that they do not impede our agricultural development agenda.
“These challenges include reported cases of round-tripping in connivance with agro-dealers and poor validation of farmers’ data in parts of the participating states.
“The agric ministry is fully committed to addressing the issues of round-tripping and poor validation of farmers’ data.
“We are dedicated to implementing stringent measures in the forthcoming dry/wet season farming for rice, maize, and cassava, to ensure transparent distribution and target genuine farmers.
“Collaboration with states, local governments, traditional rulers, local farmes’ associations, NGOs, and relevant MDAs will be crucial in achieving the desired objectives.
“We seek the support of all stakeholders in the agricultural sector to overcome the challenges and ensure a successful intervention despite time constraints.
“The second phase of the Dry/Wet Season Farming intervention is expected to commence this month, and we are determined to make it a success.
“I would also like to extend our profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support in our quest for food security in the country.
“Our goal also includes ensuring food security and driving down food inflation…CONTINUE READING>>
