As 2017 wet farming season commence, farmers in Kogi are appealing to the Federal Government to identify and work with well-structured farmer groups so that when things go wrong they know where to go to.
Peace Rabiu Emaiku chairperson, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN)- Kogi state chapter, stated this recently in Lokoja. Emaiku said that for there to be proper accountability and efficient of government programmes in the state, the Federal Government must work with well-structured farmers groups.
She stated that with this, government loans given to farmers in the state will be paid back as at when due and not the case of farmers running away with government funds.
“No farmer that is under our umbrella will refuse to pay back what the Federal Government has given to them. The farmers under AFAN, Kogi state chapter would not like to soil their images,” she said.
According to her, AFAN remains the apex farmer association in the country, stressing the need for government to stop the distribution of inputs and funds to just any farmers groups but to the well-structured ones to ensure accountability.
EMAIKU called on the Federal Government to assist the state government in giving more direct support to farmers in the state, stating that agriculture is no more a development programme but now a business venture.
Victoria Nnakiaike, Lokoja
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