It is not a news that Farm produce are quite expensive this year – 2021. Particularly, food stuff that are meant for everyone are equally expensive. Both rice and beans that are normally found on common person table are scarcely there now. Not that these important items are not available in the market, But they are rather too expensive for the commoners to afford. And it was not so in the previous years. So it becomes very necessary to work on how to assist and provide security for farmers in Nigeria
A big question is, Why is it so? After all, a considerable population of Nigerians are farmers and at different categories and capacity. We have those that are tilling ground in order to raise crops. This category makes use of raining season. And after much efforts, the result are normal crops for the entire nation.. Soon you find these items on the table.
The second category is the cattle rearer Their concerted efforts bring about meats and other substances. All these are normal things that happen yearly. But unfortunately, the reverse is the case, particularly this year. Then what is actually responsible for hike in the prices of these common items? Such that it is almost difficult for the commoners to purchase.
Personally, as a civil servant who has interest in farming. I have some observations. And the bulk of this observations were gathered during last year planting season. Apart from hiring labourers to assist in the farm work, I also get involved in some minor farm work, Very interesting, we planted red beans and soya beans. Both are planted almost the same time. But soya is a little earlier because it requires much water compared with red beans. I also had interest in Okro, I did not calculate okro planting season well. For this reason we could not plant it.
With my little interest and efforts I have insight into, reasons for low turnout and factors that bedeviled farmers efforts. During the planting season in question.
No supports in terms of fertilizer and herbicide
Farming ideally suppose to be a noble Occupation. But not so again because of lack of adequate assistance from the government. A good percentage of Nigerian farmers are poor. They are poor not for laziness. But rather, because they are not encouraged. Often farmers have difficulties during planting season, yearly. The job of farming becomes not interesting, not because of lack of machines. But at least, Fertilizer and necessary herbicide can be made available to the farmers.
My experience last year was quite bad and disheartened. An information reached us that government was planning to distribute farming items to farmers. Thereafter some government officials came to take farmers information, such as names, age etc. In addition they asked question on the nature of our challenges. After this exercise, we became very happy in anticipation of the promised items. But surprisingly the promise did not come till the end of the season. We waited in vain.
Also, there was an information that government earmarked good amount as loan for farmers. But nothing came at the end. So farmers are suffering.
It therefore shows that government does not really have respect for the profession. If this is the profession that feeds the nation, then it deserves due respect and supports,
Lack of security For the farmers
It is quite unfortunate to find it difficult to harvest after the efforts invested in planting. Unfortunately farmers are exposed to various challenges. And no one seems to notice this. No concrete support in terms of security is offered. For instance peasant farmer goes to the farm, usually with all his family unprotected. And This is the practice through out the nation.
Here in Suleja -Niger State, we did not have serious issues on Fulani herdsmen. Though the issue was there but not so worrisome. With reference to last year there was no serious clash.
My observation towards the harvesting period was sad. After the clearing of bush and planting, farmers become very happy. Particularly when the plant starts to germinate. And you watch it growing, to the glory of God. Then farmers will not withhold their hands till the time of harvest.
But surprisingly, towards the end , I observed some strange faces. Faces that are different from the usual farmers around. They were not speaking familiar language. So I became disturb and hurriedly left the farm. Next time it was another tall man. I greeted him, but he did not answer. And he was passing through the farm.
Though these people were going on their own. The big question is that who were these people? One could call them any name.
Later, information was circulated that a woman and a lady were kidnapped. And this was what made people became so scared, and could not enter farm again. In a situation like this how does one harvest. So it became very risky to go in for harvest. For these reasons I told my people that I will not come for planting next season (2021 planting season). I became discourage for the farm was usually lonely. After all I did not make any serious gain. The Mai- angua called to know if I will plant this season so that I can maintain my portion. But I said No. For I am already discouraged. I cannot take such a risk again.
Suggestions
Provision of assistance to farmers.
All supports from the government to farmers should be made direct to individual farmer, or group of individual farmers. By this such items will reach the real farmers. And the government will get a feed back. Farmers will appreciate and heaven will rejoice.
Making loan available for Farmers across the nation will help. Essentially if this is administer directly to individual farmer. Otherwise group of individual farmers. Repayment of such loan can be made easy and timely when appropriately monitored.
Making transportation of farm produce easier through the provision of pick ups or alternative
Assistance should be made available on time. And not when the planting season is running out. This concept will enable farmers to start using such material at the right time
Provision of storage facility Storage facility is essential, particularly, when strategically located.
Provision of adequate security
Give real training and empower vigilante in order to provide security for the farmers. Vigilante performance will adequately be enhanced when given the right training.
The local chiefs to be more involved in the security of their community, including farms area. Local chiefs will be more concerned about what is going on in and around their community
Patrolling by both civil defense and policemen is relevant. It is essential to have patrol of security operatives
With these farmers will have confidence and can now do their work. So that the country will not witness hardship in terms of food stuff next year 2021. The government agricultural policy encourages farming, but challenges are tough on the profession. And unless the above listed points are considered in turn. Some of the challenges are likely to linger to the subsequent years.
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My name is Muyideen Elemoro. I am a Nigerian from Ibeju -Lekki Local government in Lagos State. I reside in Abuja, Nigeria.
I am a retired Civil Servant. Presently, I am a marketer and Blogger.
Essentially I write on marital and other related issues. I engage, as a part-time, in Marriage seminar and other related issues.