The Nigerian farmers have urged the federal government to address key concerns for enhancing food production.
Mr. Kabir Ibrahim, President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), emphasized the need for improved security and access to affordable farm inputs such as seeds, insecticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
Speaking in Abuja, Mr. Kabir stressed that mechanization would significantly benefit farmers.
However, the current insecurity in the region hinders their ability to work on the farms effectively. Therefore, providing a sense of security, along with other necessary resources, is crucial to increase productivity.
In order to boost indigenous technologies in agriculture, Kabir suggested bolstering technology incubation centers across the country.
These centers can produce various farm tools and implements for tractors, reducing the need for importing broken-down tractor parts. Instead, the focus should be on supporting local manufacturing and empowering citizens in this sector.
Furthermore, Mr. Kabir proposed leveraging genome-edited crops and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) to achieve self-reliance in food production. Importing foods has become increasingly challenging, and the government should support local scientists and promote their products to farmers.
The communication strategy for farmers should primarily focus on the practical benefits. They need clear information about the seed types, their costs, and how these new seeds can improve yields compared to what they currently use.
Farmers are more interested in the potential for increased yields and the availability and affordability of these improved seeds, rather than distractions or controversies surrounding certain agricultural practices
Nigerian farmers seek better security, affordable farm inputs, mechanization, and support for indigenous technologies and genetically improved crops.
The government’s communication strategy should center on safety, affordability, and the potential to lift farmers out of poverty.