From Desmond Mgboh, Kano
The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s agricultural policies, declaring that farmers are experiencing improved conditions under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
AFAN National President, Farouk Rabiu Mudi, made the position known at a press conference in Kano on Tuesday, saying improved security in farming communities had enabled many farmers to return to previously inaccessible farmlands.
Mudi said Nigeria had more than 70 million hectares of farmland, some of which had been occupied by hostile elements, but added that the Federal Government’s security efforts had helped reclaim portions of the land.
“Arising from these efforts, many Nigerian farmers have gone back to their farmlands, while IDP camps are witnessing transformation as most displaced persons have returned to their homes,” he said.
He said the association was particularly encouraged by collaboration between AFAN and the Ministry of Defence to address insecurity affecting agricultural production and facilitate the return of farmers to their communities.
Mudi disclosed that some AFAN executives recently participated in an agricultural study tour to Brazil, where they attended an annual trade exhibition to examine innovative approaches to agricultural production and ways of supporting displaced farmers.
He said the association would host the Nigeria-Brazil International Agric Exhibition in Kano as part of efforts to expose Nigerian farmers and agribusiness operators to modern farming techniques and accelerate the transition from subsistence to mechanised agriculture.
The AFAN president also commended the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Ministry of Livestock Development and the Ministry of the Blue Economy, describing the moves as important to the development of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
He further welcomed government interventions, including the NAGS-AP Project, Nigerian Agricultural Development Fund and Bank of Agriculture, saying sustained investment was necessary to expand production and strengthen food security.
Mudi urged farmers across the country to take advantage of government programmes and work with relevant agencies to access available support and agricultural extension services.
He also called on AFAN members to embrace innovation and modern farming methods, particularly those capable of improving productivity and supporting smallholder farmers.
He said the association would continue to collaborate with government and other stakeholders to create conditions that would enable farmers to return fully to their farms, increase food production and develop Nigeria’s agriculture and livestock sectors.
(The Sun)