Expert urges increased adoption of organic farming

An organic farming expert, Mrs Olusola Sowemimo, has urged local farmers to adopt organic farming to boost healthy crops and lifestyle.

Sowemimo, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Ope Farms, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.

She stressed the need for an increased awareness of the benefits of organic farming to promote healthier crops and prevent terminal diseases amongst Nigerians.

“Organic farming is sustainable and can prevent a lot of terminal diseases that occur when we consume crop cultivated with chemical-laden fertilisers.

“Nature takes care of its own that is why we encourage the few farmers in organic farming to continue the practice.

Although organic crops are not so popular amongst Nigerians, we keep encouraging any farmer that wants to go into organic farming to start where they are and they will gradually break even,” he said.

Sowemimo also called for the inclusion of more organic farmers into the sector as there are enough materials that could serve as organic fertilisers.

According to her, with more consistency on the part of the organic farmers, they will create a niche for produce in major markets as demand increases.

“There are so many things we consider waste that can actually serve as natural fertilisers for the local organic farmer.

“Food wastes, compost, poultry dropping, manure and whole lot can be applied as good sources of natural fertilisers for growing organic crops .

“I was recently recognised by the Lagos State Government as one of the 100 women making impact in the state.

“This award was given in recognition to my contribution in agric sector through organic farming.

“Let us start where we are, very soon we will have more organic farmers in the country and healthier foods for Nigerians,” Sowemimo said.

NAN reports that Ope Farms is a certified organic farm which started its agricultural production in 2015 to ensure safe and healthy foods.