The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ogun State Chapter, has commended the Federal Government for distributing free fertilisers to farmers across the 20 local government areas of Ogun State, describing the initiative as a timely intervention that will reduce production costs and boost food production.
The Chairman of AFAN in Ogun State, Alhaji Abdulrasaq Obafolahan Nuhu Podo, gave the commendation during an interview on Tuesday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
He described the intervention as a major relief for farmers, particularly in view of the rising cost of agricultural inputs.
“We are excited about the Federal Government’s distribution of fertilisers to local farmers. This intervention is indeed timely.
“We have consistently complained about the rising cost of farming inputs. We are glad that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has listened to the concerns of farmers.
“We also appreciate the Ogun State Government under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun for ensuring that farmers in the state benefit from this initiative.
“This intervention will help reduce the financial burden on farmers because the fertilisers are being distributed free of charge. With lower production costs, farmers will be able to sell their produce at more affordable prices, thereby improving food availability and affordability for consumers.
“This is a welcome development, and we are delighted to be beneficiaries of the programme,” he said.
The Secretary General of AFAN, Ogun State, Alhaja Hairat Oluwakemi Ogunmoye, assured farmers that adequate monitoring mechanisms had been put in place to ensure transparency and equitable distribution of the fertilisers across all the 20 local government areas of the state.
She said:
“We have put in place proper monitoring to ensure that the fertilisers get to all hardworking and registered farmers in every local government. We want to make sure that the purpose of this intervention is achieved and that no genuine farmer is left out.
“I also want to encourage our youths, both male and female, to embrace agriculture. Today, people need food, and agriculture is no longer meant only for the elderly.
“Modern farming has become more attractive with innovations and mechanised equipment that make farming easier, more productive and less stressful. Agriculture offers enormous opportunities for employment, wealth creation and national development.”
Also speaking, the Remo North Coordinator of AFAN, Apostle Sam Adetola Kehinde, urged farmers across Ogun State to register with the association to enable them benefit from future government interventions.
According to him, registration with AFAN under the leadership of Alhaji Abdulrasaq Obafolahan Nuhu Podo would position farmers to access agricultural support programmes and other opportunities provided by government at various levels.
The fertiliser distribution programme is part of the Federal Government’s intervention to support farmers and strengthen food security across the country. Beneficiary states include Gombe, Taraba, Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kaduna, Kwara, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Delta and Cross River, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
