Smallholder Farmers Drive the Economy, Should Be Supported By Govt, Says Don
A lecturer in the University of Calabar, Professor Susan Ohen, has advocated increased support for small holder farmers in Nigeria, noting that they drive the local economy.
She made the call at a one day capacity training for Small Holder Farmers organized by African Union Development Agency/New Partnership for Africa Development (AUDA/NEPAD), yesterday in Calabar.
Speaking on the theme's training,
"Enhancing Agricultural Productivity among Smallholder Farmers in Cross River state", Ohen, who is the dean, Faculty of Agriculture and Wild Life Resources Management in the University of Calabar, said smallholder farmers play a crucial role toward the development of the local economy and ensuring food security for all.
Represented by a fellow lecturer, Dr. Emmanuel Eremi, Ohen urged the government to be deliberate in her support for these group of farmers.
" The local economy is driven by small holder farmers. We must be deliberate in supporting or encouraging them inorder to further drive the local economy to a higher level."
The University don also called on Nigerian farmers to embrace organic farming, noting that it remains the best agricultural practice.
Ohen described organic farming as a system that relies on natural needs, adding that it is cost effective, environmental friendly and sustainable.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Cross River state Coordinator of AUDA-NEPAD, Dr. Michael Abuo, said the training aims at equipping smallholder farmers with the required skills needed to engage in modern agricultural practices while eradicating poverty in the society.
Abuo said at the end of the training the participants, especially the women folk would be economically empowered while learning the art of wealth creation and shared prosperity.
In his address, the National Coordinator of AUDA-NEPAD, Hon. Jabiru Abdullahi, said the training will enhance agricultural productivity among Smallholder Farmers in the state.
Represented by a staff of the agency's head office in Abuja, Mrs. Fatima Ibrahim, he urged the participants to make judicious use of whatever grant given to them after the training.
He disclosed that the effective utilization of the current grants will determine the agency's next phase of intervention in the state.
