2024 Farming Season: FCTA Assures Of Improved Yields
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has put measures on ground to ensure improved agricultural produce in this 2024 farming season in the Territory.
The Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Lawan Kolo Geidam, stated when the newly elected executives of the All-Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) FCT Chapter, paid him a visit in his office.
The Secretary said the Administration has taken proactive measures of finding out what farmers actually require to enhance their activities and all such requirements will be addressed.
His words: “Above all, we have begun preparations in earnest for the flag off of the annual agricultural input support programme to ensure that farmers receive the necessary inputs promptly.”
Geidam remarked that the Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat has noted the extensive needs assessment exercise earlier conducted by the Secretariat across the six Area Councils, which will be robustly dealt with.
According to him, the exercise is aimed at tailoring FCT Agric support programmes to the specific needs of farmers.
He expressed the Administration’s commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity, not just through the provision of inputs but by also addressing the the issue of transferring the knowledge of Good Agricultural Practices to farmers.
“Our goal is not only to provide agricultural inputs. We are equally focused on imparting knowledge through our Agric Extension Agents, which is crucial for optimal food production,” Geidam added.
Addressing the security concerns raised by AFAN, Geidam reassured that the FCT Administration, under Nyesom Wike and Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, is actively working to ensure the safety of residents and farmers.
He cited the recent emergency security and Town Hall meetings in Bwari and Gwagwalada by the Minister; saying they were aimed at finding lasting solutions to the challenges.
The Secretary disclosed plans by the Secretariat to organize dialogue sessions with the various farming groups, which will involve crop farmers and pastoralists in the six Area Councils to promote mutual understanding and foster peaceful coexistence.
Recognizing the role of agriculture as a key employer of labour, the Secretary revealed that the Secretariat was working closely with the Area Council authorities to device ways of encouraging the teeming population of youths to take to agriculture to earn their living.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Association, Mr. Ifraimu Dauda, emphasized the need for urgent action to address the challenges faced by farmers in the Federal Capital Territory.
He highlighted the importance of opening an effective channel of communication with the Secretariat to tackle pressing issues affecting FCT farmers.
“As the voice of FCT farmers, AFAN will continue to advocate for the welfare and prosperity of farmers.
The new AFAN leadership is looking forward to constructive engagement with the FCT Administration to address these vital concerns and work towards a thriving agricultural sector in the Territory,” Dauda said.
The Chairman called on the FCT Administration to take decisive measures to combat the issues of kidnapping and clashes between farmers and pastoralists.
