Stakeholders yesterday called on the federal government to provide subsidies and implement policies to help smallholder farmers achieve nutrition and food security in the country.
Speaking under the aegis of the Potato Farmers Association of Nigeria (POFAN), during the association’s annual stakeholders’ forum and farmers training workshop in Abuja, they noted the insecurity challenge across the country was having severe negative impact on smallholder farmers, thus resulting in widespread hunger and hardship in communities at all levels.
President of POFAN, Daniel Okafor, called on the government to support farmers in all possible ways to address these hardships.
Okafor noted that even in developed countries where food is sufficient, the government provides subsidies for farmers. “When farmers receive subsidies, they can sell their food products at affordable prices,” he explained.
He further stated, “The budget this year is not reaching the right people. Those who should benefit are not receiving support, and this is a problem for Nigerians.”
Discussing market and economic trends, he added, “A bag of fertiliser now costs farmers N46,000, and this high production cost hinders progress in food production, transportation, fuel prices, and exchange rates. The government should be held responsible for policies they are not effectively implementing.”
“We want the government to take this matter seriously and address the suffering of Nigerian farmers, especially at the local level,” he said.
Okafor emphasised the urgency of government grants for farmers, saying, “The rural communities are suffering. The farmers in this country need grants.”
“We’ve submitted proposals to government agencies several times, yet there’s no response. The only way this country will thrive is by doing the right thing.”
He added, “You cannot tell me the money allocated for Nigerians is being spent elsewhere. The budget is there, but the farmers are getting nothing,” he lamented.
Professor of Agriculture and former vice chancellor of the National Open University, Vincent Ado Tenebe, noted that crop production relies on soil fertility.
“When soil is well-fertilised, crops yield better, securing food production. High-yield crops enable farmers to thrive, ensuring food security.”
Tenebe urged farmers to plan their activities and use adequate fertilisers for crop production, adding that the cost of fertiliser and hiring a tractor for one hectare is steep, with costs reaching up to N50,000.
“High production costs force farmers to raise prices to recover their expenses. If the government provides subsidies, food prices can be kept affordable,” he said.
“We urge the government to support subsidies and implement policies that will guarantee success for our smallholder farmers.”
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