Key Takeaways
- AFAN urges governments to hire agriculture graduates as extension officers for rural farmer education.
- Extension services are critical for bridging the gap between modern agricultural practices and rural farmers.
- Revitalization of extension services and farmer subsidy programs is essential for improving food production.
Call for Agricultural Support
The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has issued a strong appeal for government action to hire and train agriculture graduates as extension officers. This initiative aims to educate rural farmers on the effective use of modern farming technologies.
During a recent address in Ilorin, Mr. Tunde Arosanyin, the Chairman of AFAN, highlighted the significant disconnect between innovative agricultural practices and their application among rural farmers. He emphasized the crucial role extension officers can play in conveying important information about modern tools to farmers.
Arosanyin expressed concern over the diminishing state of extension services in Nigeria, citing their decline as a major obstacle to enhancing food production. He pointed out that many farmers lack the knowledge and resources to adopt improved agricultural methods that could increase productivity.
“There is a serious disconnect between available agricultural technology and its utilization at the grassroots. Extension officers are needed to interpret and communicate these tools effectively to rural farmers,” he stated.
To address this issue, Arosanyin urged governments at all levels to take immediate action by employing agriculture graduates and providing them with necessary training to become effective extension officers. These officers would be instrumental in guiding farmers on the selection of appropriate seeds, optimal planting timelines, harvesting strategies, and the use of modern innovations in agriculture.
In addition, Arosanyin called for a revival of extension services, stressing that many farmers remain uninformed about better agricultural practices. He also encouraged state and local governments to support the federal initiatives by introducing strong subsidy programs for farmers, which would include access to modern tools and inputs for smallholder farmers.
The initiative proposed by AFAN is seen as a vital step toward modernizing agriculture in Nigeria, ensuring that farmers are well-equipped to meet current challenges while enhancing food security in the nation.
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