Cocoa Farmers Urge Govt To Subsidise Fertiliser

The Cocoa and Plantain Farmers Association of Nigeria (CPFAN) has appealed to the Federal Government to subsidise fertiliser for farmers across the country, warning that rising production costs and insecurity are threatening agricultural productivity and food security.

The national president of CPFAN, Mr Ayodele Ojo, made the appeal during a stakeholders’ seminar on Innovative Floral Fertiliser Technology organised by the association in collaboration with Green World Natural Solution and government stakeholders.

Ojo said the partnership between CPFAN and the Chinese Green World Company, producers of floral fertiliser, offers a unique opportunity to improve crop yields, enhance soil fertility and promote sustainable agricultural practices among Nigerian farmers.

According to him, the fertiliser has demonstrated effectiveness across different crops and could significantly boost productivity if incorporated into the Federal Government’s agricultural support programmes.

‎He urged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to include the product in its national procurement scheme and make it accessible to farmers through subsidies, stressing that such intervention would empower smallholder farmers and improve food production nationwide.

‎The CPFAN president noted that increased adoption of improved fertiliser technology would create employment opportunities in farming, processing and distribution, while helping to reduce poverty and rural-urban migration.

‎He added that cocoa farmers stand to benefit immensely from improved yields and better-quality produce, which would enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global cocoa market and increase export earnings for the country.

‎Ojo, however, expressed concern over the growing insecurity in farming communities, saying kidnappings, killings and other violent attacks have forced many farmers to abandon their farms, thereby contributing to food shortages and rising prices.

‎”Without security, there can be no farming. Without farming, there can be no food. And without food, there can be no peace,” he said, calling on the government to strengthen security measures in rural areas and restore confidence among farmers.

‎Speaking on behalf of the permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, Mr Adamolekun Ebenezer reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to promoting climate-smart and sustainable agricultural practices.

‎He described organic fertiliser as a key component of efforts to improve productivity, soil health and food security.

‎Also, the Ondo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr ‘Leye Akinola, commended CPFAN for promoting innovation and knowledge sharing among stakeholders.

‎He said the state government remains committed to supporting agricultural technologies capable of improving productivity while ensuring environmental sustainability.

‎Akinola noted that the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa would continue to encourage partnerships among farmer groups, researchers, technology providers and government agencies to drive agricultural transformation, improve livelihoods and strengthen food security in the state and across the country.