The Chairman, AFAN Lagos State, Mr. Femi Oke, called on the government to support farmers so they could exploit irrigation and other aspects of the agricultural value chain in order to achieve self-sufficiency in food production.
“Globally, Africa is still far behind the rest of the civilised world in the area of agricultural development. And the greatest problem causing this on the continent is corruption and Nigeria is affected by this virus. For us as a nation to improve our economy, the government should encourage practising farmers and provide avenues for them to practice farming in a scientific and commercial way,” he said.
He said smallholder farmers could venture into commercial or mechanised farming if given the right incentives, adding that agriculture could boost the nation’s economy.
While calling for the adoption of cattle ranching by herdsmen, he expressed concerns over effects of farmers-herders clashes on agricultural development and food affordability and advised the government to check incessant destruction of farm produce by cattle.
Oke advocated for the provision of the right inputs by the government and the coordination of agricultural activities to enable farmers produce enough for export.
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