In a bid to harness Nasarawa State’s agricultural prowess, stakeholders are rallying for the prompt execution of agricultural policies by both federal and state governments.
However, this concerted effort aims to fortify crop production and guarantee sustained food security across the region.
At a recent gathering in Lafia, stakeholders convened to assess the impact of agricultural policies, particularly under President Bola Tinubu’s tenure. Central to their discussions was the urgent need to expedite the implementation process to mitigate looming threats to food security.
Mr. Jonathan Joshua, the National President of the Association of Small Scale Agro Producers in Nigeria (ASSAPIN), underscored the critical role of timely policy execution in bolstering food security.
He lamented the prevalent delays in the provision of vital farm inputs and machinery, which pose significant challenges to agricultural productivity.
“The efficacy of agricultural policies hinges on their timely execution. Delayed provision of inputs jeopardizes our ability to meet set targets,” Joshua emphasized.
While acknowledging recent efforts by Governor Abdullahi Sule, including the acquisition and deployment of 23 tractors and other farm inputs, stakeholders stressed the need for more extensive support to meet the burgeoning needs of farmers in the state.
Mr. Envoh Emmanuel, Executive Director of Beacon Youths Initiative, emphasized the importance of effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure that agricultural interventions reach their intended beneficiaries.
He urged the state government to expedite the implementation of programs to enable farmers to commence planting without delay.
Mrs. Jummai Yohanna, Chairperson of the SmallHolder Women Farmers of Nigeria (SWOFON), Nasarawa chapter, lauded the federal government’s support for women farmers but lamented the exclusion of her organization from such assistance.
She also highlighted the challenges posed by inflation, particularly the soaring transportation costs, which undermine farmers’ ability to sustain their livelihoods.
Furthermore, to amplify agricultural productivity, the stakeholders unanimously called for a paradigm shift towards proactive policy implementation, one that prioritizes the needs of farmers and ensures their seamless access to essential resources.
This collective endeavor seeks to unlock Nasarawa’s agricultural potential, fostering a future of abundance and prosperity for all.
