By Orseer Mnzughulga, Abuja.
Joben Farmers Club, a unified and amalgamation of foresight like-minded farmers, has urged the federal and state governments to adequately empower farmers across the country to ensure food security in Nigeria.
Director General of the club, Mr. Bende Jones made the call on Saturday in an interview with newsmen at the National office of the Club, Wuse Zone, Abuja, with a pledge to collaborate with notable NGOs to access funds and grants for members.
It pointed out that farmers most especially smallholders provide the bulk of food consumed in Nigeria, but noted that most of these farmers lack the required tools for efficient farming.
Mr. Bende said there are numerous innovations and approaches worldwide that provide farmers with tools to improve their farming activities, as well as boost their resilience to climate change.
“There is a need for the empowerment of smallholder farmers. Government should prioritise access to finance, training, and technology for smallholder farmers to enhance productivity sustainably,” Petgrave stated.
He said Nigeria’s food crisis necessitates urgent attention and concerted efforts from all stakeholders, as challenges of climate change, conflict, infrastructure deficiencies, economic instability, and policy gaps are complex and interconnected.
“JOBEN FARMERS CLUB is committed to addressing these challenges and paving the way for a resilient and food-secure future for Nigeria.
According to Mr. Bende, the hunger in the country is much, there is the need to give priority to farmers in order to reduce hunger and poverty in Nigeria.
“Therefore the action plan involves investment in resilience-building by allocating resources for climate-smart agriculture practices, infrastructure development, and capacity-building initiatives,” Bende stated.
He noted that collaborative effort was needed from all sectors of society, and called for policy reforms and institutional strengthening that would promote sustainable agricultural practices and collaboration among stakeholders.
“Implement policies for promoting economic inclusion, particularly for women and marginalised groups in the agricultural sector. Embrace digital agriculture solutions, precision farming technologies, and data-driven insights to optimise resource management,.
Mr. Bende appreciated the efforts of the Benue State governor,Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia so far in revitalizing Agricultural sector and appealed for more assistance to farmers so as to maintain the appellation as food basket of the Nation.
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