Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, has called for the redirection of funds saved from the removal of fuel subsidies into agricultural development, emphasizing it as a key strategy to cushion economic hardship faced by Nigerians.
Speaking as the keynote speaker at the 30th Annual Conference of the Agricultural Extension Society of Nigeria (AESON) held at Taraba State University, Jalingo, Farauta advocated for the creation of a digital platform to provide farmers with real-time updates on weather patterns, modern farming techniques, and market prices.
She further recommended investing in renewable energy solutions like solar-powered irrigation and storage systems to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, stating that such initiatives would “optimize resource utilization and protect the environment.”
Farauta also highlighted the need for stronger farmers’ cooperatives to help pool resources, cut individual costs, and enhance collective bargaining power.
“Forming and strengthening farmers’ cooperative societies is essential to mitigating the risks associated with fluctuations in fuel prices,” she said.
Addressing broader food security concerns, she stressed the importance of synergy among stakeholders: “We must pursue unified efforts through partnerships and collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, civil society organizations, and international partners.”
In his remarks, Taraba State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Professor Nicholas Oliver Nemassan, revealed that the state government had slashed tuition fees for students and procured 750 mini tractors to boost agriculture in response to subsidy removal challenges.
Nemassan added that the state acquired 5,700 metric tonnes of assorted grains to be distributed freely to residents and reiterated government support for the university’s drive to increase its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
AESON President, Professor Nkiru Meludu, lauded the approval of the national agricultural extension policy by the federal executive council, describing it as a significant milestone.
Declaring the conference open, Vice Chancellor Professor Sunday Bako noted that the conference’s outcomes would be instrumental in accrediting new academic programs at the university.
