The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) says Sokoto State has the capacity of generating N2 billion monthly revenue from the agricultural sector alone.
Chairman, Sokoto State chapter of the association, Alhaji Jamilu Sanusi, while speaking during a courtesy visit to the state governor, Ahmed Aliyu, explained that if properly harnessed through the establishment of a commodity board, the state has the potential to improve its economy through levy collection on farm produce.
According to him, levies on onion bags, garlic, grains and other farm produce would attract huge revenue to the state.
“With a viable commodity board, the state stands a chance to access the Central Bank stabilisation fund and other supporting windows,” he said.
The AFAN chairman advised the state government to come up with modalities in the agricultural value chain and other sector of the economy with a view to placing the state on an equal footing with other states in the country for socio economic development.
Alhaji Jamilu also urged the state government to establish a soil laboratory for farmers to have good knowledge of their farm soil conditions, nutrient needs and other inputs for maximum harvest.
The chairman noted that with the present federal government’s decision on removal of fuel subsidy, the state must extend palliatives to farmers through supply of solar powered water pumping machines and provision of organic inputs in a bid to achieving the desired objectives.
Responding, Governor Ahmad Aliyu pledged to establish the soil laboratory and revive the commodity board.
He said government would engage experts to look into the suggestions noting that his administration was always ready to partner groups and development partners that have direct bearing on development of the state.
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