Some farmers on Monday in Abuja, urged the Federal Government to ensure that farmers have easy access to loans to boost productivity.
According to Mr Kenneth Nwachi, a farmer, said that improved provision of agricultural loans and equipment would enhance productivity of agricultural produce.
He added that the sector was in need of more investments to engage more farmers and address the rising cost of food items.
While stressing the need to boost the agricultural sector, Nwachi also emphasized the need for increased security for farmers.
According to him, this will encouraging the farmers and attract more people into farming.
Nwachi said “most farmers are afraid of going to their farms due to the current insecurity in the country.
“Most of the farmers are rural dwellers but unfortunately their activities are under threat by insurgents.
“The farmlands are being destroyed by flood and other factors and the capacity to store food is another challenge and these have led to increase in the price of food in the market,” said Nwachi.
Similarly, Mr Jerry Okolia, a young farmer said that supply of agricultural equipment such as machines and tractors is one of the ways to boost agriculture in the country.
Okolia said that it would make the activities of the farmers less cumbersome.
While identifying lack of farm inputs such as pesticides and fertilizers as major challenges encountered by farmers in the country, he urged the Federal Government to support farmers with more inputs.
Also, Mr Michael Igoche advocated increased participation of youths in agriculture.
According to Igoche, agriculture is where we have our comparative advantage over other countries as this will enhance food sufficiency in the country.
He further called for more empowerment and skill acquisition for farmers, stressing that it would help improve their knowledge on crops cultivation and maintenance.
“This will serve as a critical tool in enlightening farmers towards producing improved quality crops in the country.
