The Chairman of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Ogun State Chapter, Farmer Adeshina Ahmed Arikoserere, has called on the Ogun State Government to release tractors reportedly stationed at the Government Secretariat, Oke-Mosan, to farmers in order to boost rice production in the state.
Arikoserere made this known on Thursday while speaking with newsmen after appearing on an agricultural radio programme, Agbeloba, hosted by Pamilerin on Sweet 107.1FM in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
According to him, farmers often struggle to access tractors because they have to queue for rentals, a situation that delays farming activities.
“Farmers usually have to queue to rent tractors, and it is not something easy. Time keeps going while crops have their specific seasons,” he stated.
The RIFAN chairman also emphasized the need for government support through the provision of fertilizers to farmers to improve soil productivity and increase harvest.
“Government should also support farmers with fertilizers so that when the farmland is not performing well, farmers can apply it to improve the yield,” he said.
He further explained that chemicals used to control weeds in rice farms should also be made available to farmers, noting that rice cultivation requires significant effort and proper farm inputs.
“Rice farming is not easy, and there are chemicals used to control grasses that disturb rice crops. If government can support farmers with these chemicals, it will help increase production,” he noted.
Arikoserere added that irrigation facilities and water support systems are crucial for farmers to cultivate throughout the year, especially during the dry season.
“Government should help farmers with irrigation systems and boreholes so that farming can continue all year round. Not every farmer can afford to drill a borehole, so water pumps should also be provided,” he explained.
Speaking further, he stressed that farmers also need adequate security to safely access their farmlands, noting that insecurity has discouraged many from continuing farming activities.
“Government should provide adequate security because insecurity is preventing many farmers from going to their farms. There are many farm settlements in Ogun State that need protection,” he said.
Arikoserere concluded that providing these forms of support would significantly improve food production and reduce the rising cost and scarcity of food in the country.
“All these challenges are responsible for low farm produce, high food prices and scarcity of food. If government provides these supports, there will be enough food for everyone,” he added.
