Kwara – Mr Samuel Adeniyi, the President, Agbeniyi Farmers Association, Omu-Aran in Kwara, has advised government and research institutes to avail farmers of information to boost harvest.
Adeniyi gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Omu-Aran.
He said that majority of farmers were not up to date with vital information needed to improve and sustain their businesses.
He decried the low level performance of extension workers in educating farmers on the best practices required to achieve maximum yield.
“Also, the farmers do not have access to periodic warning on weather and climatic conditions by forecasting agency to avoid incurring losses.[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”70560″]
“Our concern is with regards to local farmers in remote communities.
“In the past, we had extension workers in the communities to assist farmers with useful tips that could enhance production, but now the case is different,’’ the association’s president said.
Adeniyi said since it was impossible for most farmers to travel long distances to the ministries in state capitals for such information, it was imperative for government to address the challenge.
“This is the only way such farmers, especially at the grassroots, can be carried along in transforming the sector to ensure its growth and development,’’ he said.
The president suggested the restructuring of agriculture departments in local government councils to ensure prompt and adequate access to information by farmers.
“The local government councils remain the closest to the grassroots and if well equipped to serve the farmers would bring about the desired result.
“The use of electronic SMS via mobile phone to get the farmers informed periodically, which should not be limited to the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GES) initiative, would also be an advantage,” he said.
Adeniyi commended the Federal Government’s GES initiative, saying the scheme had been able to reduce bureaucratic bottleneck in accessing farming inputs at subsidised rate by local farmers. (NAN)