The Nation's potato farmers have requested the Federal Government (FG) through its ministry to support them with funds and inputs towards achieving renewed hope in food security.
The National President, Potato Farmers Association of Nigeria, Chief Daniel Okafor told the Permanent Secretary (PS) Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe ably represented that the association had since been approved to be funded at the National Agricultural Council Meeting held last at Umuaha, Abia state where we were directed to meet with the ministry.
He said the schedule for the meeting had since been impossible until today saying that " before and after NCA directed us to meet with the ministry, we have written several letters for this kind of meeting but none was responded to. Now that we are given the previledge to meet with the Hon. Perm Sec, we are full of gratitude"
He requested for more improved potato seed varieties that are adoptable to other ecologies like the irish one that the University of Maiduguri has developed to strive in Bornu state adding that the high cost of fertilizers have created challenges for higher productivity of the crop.
POFAN complained they were not being carried along in decisions that concerned them like other commodities adding their contribution to issue like this can be very helpful as well.
The farmers pleaded for fund support that would enable them to be able to carry out the association's assignment with training of members towards potato increased productivity.
They also want inclusion of Oranges Fleshed Sweet potato into home school program to drive demand and healthy feeding of the children with natural vitamins A nutrient derived from beta carotene in this particular specie.
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