Farmers in Rivers state have underscored the need for government assistance to engender massive food production in the country.
One of the farmers, Mrs. Ngozi Worlu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt, on Friday that the provision of inputs, such as fertiliser as well as equipment would enable farmers to engage in mechanised agriculture.
He also said that food importation would not solve the problem of food scarcity.
‘’Importation of foods cannot solve the problem of food shortage in the country; it is only adequate assistance to farmers for massive production.
‘’We need fertiliser, new farming implements, especially now that the farming season is at hand; let us know that food is important in every one’s life.’’
Another farmer, Mr. ThankGod Stanley, of Mgbuoba, Obio/Akpor local government area stressed the need to encourage farmers by assisting them to access finance and ensuring adequate investment in agriculture.
Stanley also advised the government to give adequate attention to subsistence farmers in the rural areas, in order to ensure massive food production and ward off hunger.
Another farmer, Mr. Joe Echei, said the prioritisation of subsistence farming was not negotiable, urging governments at all levels to collaborate to find a lasting solution to the problem of food scarcity.
The farmer further urged his colleagues to continue to build a virile and food secure nation through their doggedness in the farming vocation. (NAN)
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