Nigerian farmers asks federal government to declare a state of emergency on food security as World Food Day takes centre stage
The federal government has been urged to declare a state of emergency on food security in the country.
Similarly, government at all levels have been charged to accord priority to protection of farmers and their farmlands against all forms of criminality.
Some farmers made these call in commemoration of this year’s World Food Day.
Samuel Ajagbe, the Team Lead, Frontend Agrosolution Limited, a Subsidiary of Seeds Embassy and Abdulhakeem Hammed of the HAATT AGROTECH GLOBAL said the need for a state of emergency became imperative since more Nigerians are faced with hunger and poverty
According to them, the food inflation rate now at over 30% was as a result of lack of proper planning by government to cushion the effects of subsidy removal.
They lamented that the purchasing power of average Nigerian had depreciated largely due to the rising cost of food items, other consumables, electricity bill and transportation.
The farmers who expressed worry over wastages during harvest and distribution of farm produce equally advocated for regular supply of fertizers to farmers in order to recoup their investments.
Samuel Ajagbe and Abdulhakeem Hammed applauded the decision of Lagos State government to increase support to farmers towards boosting food supply in the state.
The Governor gave this assurance at the event marking the year 2023 World Food Day at the Police College in Ikeja.
The governor who stressed the need for the state to grow what the residents will consume indicated interest in collaborating with other states in meeting the food needs of the populace.
On her part, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms Bisola Olusanya thanked the Governor for full backing of policy of the ministry.
Every October 16th being the anniversary of the Food Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations is set aside to encourage action on food insecurity, promote production and consumption of safe food that have immediate and long time benefits to the people.
The theme for this year’s World Food Day celebration is “Water is life, water is food, leave no one behind”.
