The need to call on the appropriate agencies to be more proactive in their efforts to assist farmers is necessary. Particularly this year 2021. Assisting farmers in whatever capacity is a welcome concept. But what is important is to make it happens at the right time. The right time in this case is now. So that necessary things can be done at the appropriate time. Everything about farming is seasonal. Condition of time is exclusively in the hand of God. Therefore, it is ideal to Keep encouraging government to give timely supports to Farmers.
In my little experience in the profession, I noticed that Nigerian Farmers are truly suffering. And except they are given timely and necessary assistance. There would not be adequate improvement in the sector. Apart from the big time farmers who are into mechanize farming, others required good assistance. I also noticed that farmers may be looking for money to purchase herbicides. Unfortunately, most at time the money would not be there. The reason been that they are not receiving real supports, Because supports becomes more meaningful, only when it reaches real farmers.
Most of the beautiful programs for farmers support in the year 2020 did not yield required result. Research is necessary as to why it was so. At least if things did not work out as planned, then it needs attention. The attention in this case, depends on the feeling and yearning of the Farmers. Are some of these things getting to the farmers, as planned? If the answer is No, then check out why. Having done that, a corrective measure can be mapped out. With major emphasis on how to improve on the existing method.
To this end, the agencies saddle with these responsibilities should please ensure that the appropriate things are done. When these are timely carried out , then we are sure of getting the required result.
Suggestions on how to improve on the existing method
Ascertain the localities within the states. Through the local government, farms area can be located. And the size of the farm land must be put into consideration. This will enable government to get a clear picture of the size.
Ascertain the population of farmers through the village heads. The Village Heads have good idea about the existence of Farmers in their locality. They can obtain this through the farmers’
Group farmers in accordance with crops they specialize on. Let there be trusted groups leaders that reside within the same locality. So that he/she can be met by government officials when necessary. Members (farmers) can visit him/her anytime.
Establish a joint meeting between the farmers, the village heads and the appropriate authority. This will bring them together, occasionally, for information sake. Through this mean, farmers known what they are expecting. And in what quantity and time.
Distribution of items, through this means will allow the items to reach the real farmers. Because they need the material, when it gets to them they will appreciate it. And they wills honour the authority that make it happens.
Demand for feedback through the same channel. Feedback becomes necessary so as to know whether the whole thing is going as planned.
Establish occasional meeting with the farmers in the community Town Hall. Such meeting can come up while the planting is going on. Also before harvest. With this method you can be sure of the beneficiaries.
