By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
The Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates’ Association, (UNIFEMGA), Ogun State branch, has tasked governments in the country to make provision for adequate and reliable storage facilities to forestall the current wastages and hike in prices of food items.
UNIFEMGA gave the task in a communique issued at the end of a one day National symposium on Agriculture and Exhibition held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential auditorium in Abeokuta.
In the communique signed by the Chairman, UNIFEMGA Ogun State Chapter, Alhaji Tairu Olanrewaju made available to journalists in Ibadan on Wednesday, stressed that “agriculture is a serious business which can provide employment to the teeming unemployed Nigerians”.
UNIFEMGA also stressed that” ranching of cattles will go a long way in solving the cattle rustling and banditry as well as other insecurity challenges in the country.” and that ” it is hoped that the nation’s basket of food will fill up and the nation will have adequate food at affordable prices”.
At the special programme with a focus on Agriculture and the prospects for prosperity, themed : “Agric Business and Economic Insecurity; The Way Forward for Entrepreneurs”, the association noted that “the agricultural produce in the country were noted to be much more than can be consumed in their seasons”.
” This implies wastages per annum. The governments are advised to make provision for adequate and reliable storage facilities to forestall the current wastages and hike in prices of food items.”
The association emphasized the need ” for a political will that will launch conscious efforts, while the intention to feed the nation should drive the efforts, adding, ” Nigerian government must encourage the practice of farming with a deliberate backup with irrigation since it appears in recent times that the rains are not as predictable as before”.
Part of the communique reads, ” Government at all levels- federal, state and local government strata should provide all necessary encouragement and support to attract the youths to the practice of agriculture.
* Enterpreneurs are encouraged to take advantage of different parts of the value chain in agriculture where they can make a difference and impact for national benefit.
* The agricultural trainings and support of universities and other training institutions must be need-focused and supported by government to provide the needed technical support and equipments for improved performance and yield.
* High yielding seeds can also be sourced for the benefit of the farmers. Integrity and compliance with strict International standards is necessary to allow Nigerian produce to be exported to the global market where Nigerian products are well recognized for their unique quality.
The place of financial assistance to intending farmers was mentioned. The governments were advised to make funds available for the farmers to get mechanised farming off-ground at many centres across the nation.
The event brought together professionals and enthusiasts from the public and private sectors in Agriculture.
