AFAN hails Agric Show turnout, asks for direct inputs to farmers

Farmers in Nigeria have commended the impressive turn out of stakeholders at the recently concluded Agric Show held in Tundun Wada, Keffi, Nazarawa state, despite  the economic and political situations in the country, just as they demanded direct subsidy inputs for members.

The President, All Farmers Association of Nigeria ( AFAN), Architect Kabir Ibrahim speaking on behalf of for his members at the Agric show ground last week Thursday applauded the impressive turnout of the stakeholders from both  the private and public sectors of the food value chains system, adding that the physical presence of President Tinubu would have been more motivational to accelerate more in production.

Ibrahim acknowledged the representation of President Tinubu by the Minister of Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security ( FMAFS), Sen. Abubakar Kyari, but pointed there is a need for more government support for farmers in an inclusive way.

Ibrahim said " it is better to interface with farmers by listening to them, factor them into getting involved in discussions relating to them, and giving them what they want as this will encourage them to work more with incentives going directly to them"

AFAN president in his belief to rescue food deplorable situation in the country said that the extablishment of Agricultural intelligence centre, sustainable knowledge - based Agriculture, synergy among stakeholders, recapitalization of Bank of Agriculture, and a decisive role of Nigeria in the African Continental Free Trade Area are very necessary.

Earlier, the Agric show which was officially opened by the FMAFS Minister, Sen. Abubakar Kyari who expressed deep concern over the present prevailing conditions affecting the sector from performing uptimaly towards ensuring food security stressed that the present administration is determined to change the narrative with proactive implementation actions.

The minister who  represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emphasized the significance of showcasing Nigeria's agricultural potential and consolidating past achievement while also identifying challenges in order to chart a path for the sector's development.

Although some stakeholders argued that the event was supposed to have been more robust if there hadn't been any political and economic instability saying many Governors and office holders are facing elections litigations that may have affected more turnout, coupled prevailing economic woes and rampard insecurity in the farming communities.