Farmers have urged the incoming government to focus on the review and implementation of agricultural policies to boost local food production and enhance food security.
They believed that with proper implementation of agricultural policies, the sector would be more robust; noting that lack of implementation has been the bane of agricultural policies formulated by successive governments.
The farmers demanded adequate budgetary allocation of at least 10 per cent of the annual budget in line with Maputo Declaration, review of subsisting schemes and reform to make them more supportive of farm output, mechanised farming, encouragement of family farming, making use of agricultural consultants, capacity building, encouragement of local production by banning of all importation of food items that can be produced within the country, amongst others.
The Chairman, Agric Group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr. Wale Oyekoya, said the serious efforts made by the outgoing government towards making good agricultural policies through schemes, programmes and institutions, the initiatives were jeopardized due to lack of implement coupled with inadequate budgetary allocation and financing.
He recommended that at least 10 per cent of the country’s annual budget should be devoted to agriculture in line with the Maputo Declaration and the review of subsisting schemes and reforms to make them more supportive of farm output.
The Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, Lagos State Chapter, Otunba Oke, said for there to be adequate food in the country, private sector participation, individuals, cooperatives, clubs and others have to be encouraged to invest in agriculture.
He said this would not only assure adequate food supply in the country, but also create jobs for the unemployed youths, making the society more peaceful and secured and also aiding export of farm produces to earn foreign exchange.