ZARIA – Some farmers in Zaria, Kaduna State, have appealed to governments at all levels to ensure early supply of fertiliser and improved seeds for this year’s farming season.
The farmers made the plea in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Zaria.
Alhaji Musa Dogara, a peasant farmer in the area, said the appeal became necessary in view of the early commencement of rain across the state.
“We thank God Almighty rain had started very early this year and from all indications farming will also commence early.
“In view of this, I want to appeal to government at all levels not to delay the supply of fertiliser to enable us put in more efforts toward bumper harvest,” he pleaded.
Dogara observed that delay in the supply of the commodities would not only affect the input of individual and collective farmers, but it would negatively affect the overall output.
Also in an interview, Alhaji Aliyu Yusuf-Nadabo, described early supply of seeds and fertiliser as a path to national food security.
He called on farmers not to rely 100 per cent on inorganic fertiliser, advising that they should endeavour to apply organic fertiliser, such as animal dung and refuse to enhance the soil content of their farms.
“Relying 100 per cent on conventional fertiliser is not the best for our farmers, they must resolve to be using organic fertiliser.”
He appealed to government to consider the possibility of replacing the conventional fertiliser with manure. (NAN)
