TheCable

Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi, on Tuesday met with members of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in the state.

Ismaila Isah, media aide to Ododo, said in a statement that the meeting also had in attendance other stakeholders in the agriculture value chain.

Isah said the meeting was held to deliberate on how to achieve a more prosperous and sustainable agricultural practice in Kogi, amid food security and other economic challenges in the country.

He said the governor promised to provide subsidies for fertiliser and farm inputs.

The Kogi governor also assured the farmers of improved security and provision of access roads to ease transportation of produce.

“In addressing the challenges of insecurity facing farmers particularly in the grass root areas, the Governor promised to provide adequate security for farmers through stronger collaboration with security agencies and local security interventions in the state,” Isah said.

“The Governor noted that his administration will ensure that farmers in Kogi State have direct access to subsidised farm inputs including fertilisers.

“He urged the farmers’ association to create a robust and comprehensive database, through which farmers can receive interventions directly and without interference from middlemen.

“Governor Ododo revealed that plans are ongoing to ensure that access roads are created and paths to farmlands are cleared by the government, particularly in strategic areas where major commodities are produced in the state.

“In addition to his commitment to ensure that the state government serves as the primary off-taker of farm produce in the state, Governor Ododo said investors in the agricultural sector will be encouraged to establish processing plants in the state to provide employment and also make the people of the state key players in the agricultural value chain in the state.”

Isah further said the Kogi governor promised to create more farmlands and provide improved seedlings for farmers.

The Kogi governor also assured the farmers that the issue of multiple taxation will be addressed.