Leaders of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ogun State chapter, have commended the Ogun State Government and the Federal Government for what they described as sustained investments in agriculture, saying the interventions are improving food production, empowering farmers and creating opportunities for thousands of youths across the state.
The AFAN Chairperson in Ogun State, Alhaja Ganiat Ibilola Adeoye-Kushimo, alongside the association's Public Relations Officer, Shogunle Johnson Oluwarotimi praised Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, and officials of the ministry for their commitment to agricultural development.
They said the government's support had strengthened farmers' confidence and positioned Ogun as one of Nigeria's leading food-producing states.
According to the farmers, Ogun remains a national leader in cassava production and processing, while also maintaining a strong reputation in poultry and livestock farming.
They noted that agricultural products from the state enjoy wide acceptance across Nigeria, adding that the achievements were the result of the resilience and hard work of farmers, backed by government-friendly policies.
The association acknowledged that although food prices had started declining, many farmers were still battling rising production costs caused by expensive diesel, transportation and farm inputs. They also expressed concerns over the impact of legal and illegal food importation, warning that excessive imports could discourage local producers and reduce future agricultural output if not properly managed.
Despite the challenges, AFAN lauded the various intervention programmes introduced by both the Ogun State and Federal Governments. The association highlighted subsidies on fertilisers, land preparation, poultry feed and other farm inputs, noting that such support had significantly reduced production costs and enabled more farmers to remain in business despite prevailing economic realities.
The farmers further applauded development initiatives such as the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project and the Special Agro-Processing Zones programme, describing them as game changers capable of transforming agriculture from subsistence farming to commercial production.
They said government investments in processing centres, solar-powered facilities, storage infrastructure and export support would reduce post-harvest losses and increase farmers' earnings.
On security, AFAN commended the Ogun State Government for promoting peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders through dialogue, joint committees and collaboration with security agencies. The association said regular engagements involving traditionalists, Fulani leaders, farmers, the Department of State Security Services and other stakeholders had helped in resolving disputes and improving security across farming communities.
The association also praised ongoing efforts to attract young people and women into agriculture. According to AFAN, over 5,000 youths have benefited from various government-backed agricultural programmes, while women farmers continue to receive recognition, training and support.
The farmers noted that modern greenhouse farming, irrigation projects, soilless agriculture and climate advisory services were making farming more attractive and productive for the younger generation.
While expressing optimism about the future of agriculture in Ogun State.
AFAN appealed to governments at all levels to sustain existing interventions, ensure farm inputs and equipment reach genuine farmers, and continue investing in mechanisation and technology.
The association maintained that with consistent support from the Federal Government and the Ogun State Government, coupled with the dedication of hardworking farmers, Nigeria would achieve greater food security, lower food prices and stronger agricultural growth.
No comments:
Post a Comment