Farmers’ groups in Nigeria, under the umbrella of the Farmers Economic Empowerment Association (FEEMA), have called on the federal and state governments to establish Commodity Boards to regulate agricultural produce and ensure fair pricing for farmers.
The appeal was made during a meeting in Kisi, Irepo Local Government Area of Oyo State, with representatives from Ekiti, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Ogun, Osun, and Oyo in attendance.
In a resolution signed by the association’s national chairman, Professor Abubakar Ali-Agan, vice-chairman, Alhaji Adam, and secretary, Mallam Bolakale Sidiq, the group emphasized the need for Commodity Boards to protect farmers’ interests and promote stability in the agricultural sector.
The group also urged the federal government to create specialized rural security units in every state to safeguard farmers and rural communities.
According to the association, these security units would help prevent attacks by terrorists, combat crop theft, and promote a stable environment for agricultural growth and peaceful rural living.
Additionally, the association proposed solutions to recurring conflicts between farmers and herders while emphasizing the importance of year-round farmer engagement to enhance productivity and sustainability in the agricultural sector.
The group called on the federal and state governments to establish a structured system for resolving conflicts between farmers and herders.
They proposed creating a dedicated panel where affected farmers can report farm destruction, while appointed mediators work with leaders from both communities to negotiate and facilitate compensation.
Emphasizing the urgency of the issue, the association warned that clashes between farmers and herders pose a significant threat to national unity and food security.
The association also urged the government to promote year-round farming across all states, highlighting the availability of rivers and streams nationwide as a natural resource for irrigation.
Additionally, they called for increased training of agricultural extension workers and the implementation of tractor-hiring programs.
They also emphasized the need for farmers in every state to have access to fertilizers, chemicals, and other essential agricultural inputs to boost productivity.
The association also called on the government to offer farmers soft loans with single-digit interest rates, along with other financial support, to encourage youth participation in agribusiness.
It emphasized that fertilizers should be sold directly to farmers rather than distributed through political channels, as this would help stabilize prices and ensure affordability.
FEEMA further urged farmers to acknowledge the challenges faced by herders, including climate change, and encouraged them to adhere to weather forecasts and guidelines provided by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) to achieve a successful harvest.
The association called on both federal and state governments to implement its proposed solutions nationwide to strengthen food security.