By correspondent in Lokoja.
Photo credit: Channels TV.
Rice farmers in Kwara State are optimistic that the Federal Government’s recent agricultural input initiative under the Agro-Pockets program will significantly boost food production and strengthen national food security.
Speaking while interacting with journalists in Ilorin, the Kwara State Coordinator of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Mallam Mohammed Salihu, praised the Federal Government for providing much-needed support to farmers of all levels.
He noted that the distribution of quality fertilizers, seeds, chemicals, organic fertilizers, and pesticides would greatly improve productivity.
“We are delighted with the quality of inputs provided to farmers to enhance their yields,” Salihu said, applauding the intervention. He also commended the government’s decision to subsidize 75% of the input costs, leaving beneficiaries to pay the remaining 25%.
However, Salihu urged the government to consider offering the inputs free of charge, particularly to farmers living below the poverty line who may struggle to afford the 25% contribution.
Salihu expressed concerns about delays in input supplies from some agro-dealers, urging the government to streamline the distribution process to avoid bureaucratic delays and ensure that the inputs reach the intended beneficiaries on time.
He also recommended that the Federal Government involve local agro-dealers or distribute the inputs through commodity associations like RIFAN to improve efficiency.
He suggested decentralizing service providers to state levels to prevent duplication and miscommunication with farmers.
Mallam Salihu thanked both the Federal and Kwara State Governments for their support and pledged that rice farmers would continue to back policies aimed at increasing food availability and affordability.
Over 2,000 rice farmers in Kwara State have already benefited from the Agro-Pockets initiative, which is expected to drive greater agricultural productivity.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
