Read in
GOVERNMENTS at all levels have been called upon to imbibe the organic agriculture with the aims to reach the genuine local farmers in the distribution of agricultural inputs.
This was contained in a communique issued at a stakeholders consultative meeting on 2025 agriculture budget, held in Akure, Ondo state capital.
The programme was organised by ActionAid in partnership with JDPC, Smallholder Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON), Budget Committee Group (BCG) and Ondo state Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
In a communique which was endorsed by the Ondo State Ministries of Agriculture and Forestry and Budget Planning, Small Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Ondo State Agriculture Input and Supply Agency, Ondo State Budget Committee Group, Smallholder Women Farmers Organization of Nigeria, Ondo state chapter, Agriculture Development Projects, the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) and Justice Development and Peace Centre, Akure, noted that smallholder women farmers at the local level were often excluded from government distribution of agricultural inputs.
They noted that the development process is always hijacked frequently by politicians who are not genuine farmers but who distribute farm input to their families and friends.
The communique reads; “the purpose of the meeting was to analyze the 2024 agriculture budget, assess successes and challenges, and inform the 2025 budget. It aimed to enhance understanding of the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP) and its connection to the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).
“The meeting also sought to strengthen citizen participation in making the 2025 Agriculture Budget inclusive, addressing food insecurity and other challenges in the agricultural sector.
“The issue of insecurity must also be addressed with greater urgency and seriousness.
“The government has not adequately supported dry season farming, despite the potential to utilise existing water resources to mitigate climate change impacts.
“Government must improve mobility for agricultural extension officers and train interested civil society organisations to ensure their critical role is recognised.
“Government must ensure that funds are released to relevant MDAs on a quarterly basis as to meet the seasonal needs of farmers. While government must also facilitate access to tractors for smallholder women farmers, not just commercial farmers.
“We also encourage governments at all levels to provide training for farmers on how to access credit facilities and grants, as well as on climate awareness.
“We, therefore, commend the Ondo state government for increasing the agriculture budget for 2024 to 8.1 percent of the total budget, with a significant capital allocation of 94 percent.
“We also commend both the state and federal governments for initiatives such as the Amotekun Corps and Agro Rangers, aimed at enhancing agricultural security.”