Chinedum Treasure
Federal government has reassured its commitment to supporting and creating enabling environment for farmers to boost food security in the country.
Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Awka Anambra State, Mr Mbuba Arthur gave the assurance on Thursday during a 2day stakeholders Consultative Forum/Needs Setting on Prioritization of Small Holders’ Women Farmers (SHWFs) key MDAs in the state.
The engagement was organized by Small Women Farmers Organization in Nigeria (SWOFON) in support of International Budget Partnership.
Arthur, represented by Desk Officer Extension, Mr Vincent Okeke said gone were the days poverty was associated with farming, stressing that farming should rather be business and money spinning venture especially through mechanised farming.
He urged the participants not to be ashamed to be identified with farming but take proud in agriculture as the backbone of food security in the country.
“Dont be ashamed to answer farmers and you can’t afford to be poor and beggarly as farmers. That is why you must go beyond subsistence farming of hoes and cutlasses to commercial and mechanised farming.
“We’re ready to partner with you to ensure improved efficiency in your service delivery. Just articulate your requests and submit to the Ministry for necessary assistance,” he added.
Permanent Secretaries in the Ministries of Budget and Economic Planning, Agriculture as well as Women Affairs, in their separate remarks, pledged their support to SWOFON, even as they urged the members to identify with relevant stakeholders to facilitate accessibility of their needs.
Presenting a paper on Engaging For System Change in Agricultural and Overview of Anambra State 2025 Budget, Program Manager, Public Finance Management (PFM) of Center for Social Justice, Sundayson Chidi underscored the place of technology for increased productivity as against the old order of subsistence farming.
Earlier, National Officer, SWOFON, Udeh Virginia said the organization with membership of 2million play vital roles especially in the areas of providing food for the citizenry.
She urged members to remain focused to the group’s vision, even as she solicited support towards uplifting her people, including empowering them with skills, training and mentorship for greater productivity.
Executive Director, Social and Integral Development Centre, (SIDEC) and SWOFON Consultant, Ugochi Ehiahuruike appealed to traditional rulers and presidents-general to use their good offices towards achieving food security in the state.
“We must get our priority right if we must address the issue of food security in the state. Instead of asking for only roads, they should also start requesting for attention to agriculture,” she added.
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