Over the years Nigeria has been grappling with the challenges of economic hardship, food insecurity and hunger. This is quite unfortunate because the country is richly blessed with natural and human resources including arable land for agricultural activities.
Federal, state and local governments are in a very good position to explore the vast agricultural potential within their areas with adequate budgetary provisions for increased food production.
In line with global trend and international best practices, time has come for a paradigm shift from traditional method of farming to mechanized and commercial farming including the innovative regenerative agriculture initiated by Governor Chukwuma Soludo. To actualize this, state governments should embark on procurement of modern equipment and implements for mechanized farming which will improve the agricultural value chains and capacity for exports to generate foreign exchange needed for industrialization which has the potential for massive employment, wealth creation and reduction of hunger, poverty and penury.
Diversification of the economy will encourage government at all levels to explore and exploit natural and mineral resources within their area which will provide enduring solution to the challenges of unemployment and youths restiveness.
Again mechanizing farming will encourage youths’ active participation that will promote extensive research and expand the agricultural value chains with huge potential including reducing the prevalence of japa syndrome, that has increased brain drain in the country, as youths migrate to foreign countries in search of greener pastures, which unfortunately has claimed many lives in the desserts and Mediterranean sea.
It is important to stress that investing adequate human and material resources in the agricultural sector will provide the needed life line to drive a more sustainable economic growth and development that will boost the country’s Gross Domestic Product GDP.
However, for the state governments to be frontliners in giving agriculture the required boost, there is need to review the statutory revenue allocation formula so that the state governments will receive more funds that will enable them to embark on massive infrastructural development not only in the urban and semi urban centers but also in the hinterlands which are the food baskets of states and the country . This will enhance easy evacuation of farm produce to urban centres and various parts of the country to increase the income of farmers as an incentive to cultivate more areas.
There is need to give farmers easy access to storage facilities to prevent post harvest losses and wastages as well loss of income.
Federal and state governments should equally support farmers with farm inputs, irrigation facilities, deployment of agricultural extension officers and ensure adequate funding of research and development of modified seeds and crop multiplication, provide incentives for agro-business ventures and credit facilities to farmers.
Mechanized farming will ensure food security, end hunger , increase quality of nutrition and improve standard of living of the people.
POLYCARP ONWUBIKO
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