Oyo farmers appeal for Government support

The farmers in Oyo state have solicited for government support that will enhance Agricultural productivity towards achieving food security in the country. 

Speaking with Food Farm News yesterday in his Ibadan office, the chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria 

( AFAN), Oyo state chapter, Engr. Olumide Ayinla passionately implored the government of the state to prioritize farmers' support in order to ameliorate the cost of agricultural productions that are on the high side coupled with the scarcity of human labour.

Engr. Ayinla pointed out that farmers in the state need more training in the best agronomics practices in view of climate smart agriculture adding that support in terms of inputs, training and exposition to where they can cris-cross ideas towards better production must be well supported to assist farmers.

According to him " we are passionately appealing to our Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde to ensure more support to farmers in the state through more inputs' support, training and financial support for the coming Agric show in Nasarawa State where on two occasions we had made the state proud through national awards given to the state as being self sponsored. And we are not relenting on this effort, and that is why we are asking for government support to ensure food productivity through more encouragement to farmers"

Ayinla commended the effort of the state government to agriculture through the youths' development in its Agri business program adding that such tempo must be maintained for sustainable food development in the state.

" We also want to appreciate our Governor for his role in Agri business through involvement of our youths with best agricultural training both in and outside the state especially in the Nasarawa. We want this also for AFAN members who had in the past made this state proud in food security with three National awards from Agric Show in two different years. We shall be happy to be supported there for this year's ceremony where farmers all over the states of Nigeria will converge to exchange ideas in agricultural productivity"

He enjoined the state Government to replicate good agricultural practices and good support from other states especially from the Northern, South/South and South East regions where farmers are well supported.

Speaking also, the Oyo state women leader, Mrs. Aderibigbe Arinola stressed the need for support saying cost of production in crops and animals production is killing farmers.

Arinola pointed out that the support to farmers must be seemlessly not difficult to obtain, and that measure to curb wastages is very important to ensure food security.