From Elias Inaede
Apparently moved by the passion to add value to farmers in Edo North Senatorial district, Anamero Idofe Anamero foundation has organised a three day Workshop and Empowerment programme.
The training took place at the Grace Ijoke Memorial hall, Ogutte Oke, Okpella in Etsako East local government area of the state.
In his welcome address, the Convener and founder/Chairman of Anamero Idofe Anamero foundation, Mr. Dekeri Anamero, said, the training became imperative in view of the economic contributions of farmers to Nation building.
He asserted , that farmers were the drivers of the critical sector of the economy which is agriculture.
According to him, farmers are critical to the survival of human beings being the key components of Nigeria,s food Security architecture.
Mr. Anamero, said, there was need to assist local farmers to grow beyond the level of subsistence farming. adding that, the foundation would continue to assist them to improve their farming business as well as enhancing the agricultural value for the gain of all.
While calling on other Stakeholders and partner agencies in the areas of planning and execution of the programme, he noted, that the task of food Security and Commercialization was important to the collective survival of the Nation.
He saluted the courage and commitment of the farmers to producing food and other crops for the sustainance of the Country.
While going down memory lane on how he started as a young farmer in the 90’s, Mr. Anamero, said his commitment to agriculture contributed immensely to where he is today.
He urged farmers in the Senatorial district to rise above their present level of subsistence farming. He maintained that the production of Cocoa and beans dropped drastically as a result of Insecurity, poor harvest, outdated farming implements, poor seedlings, lack of fertilizers and inadequate post harvest storages amongst others are daunting if not completely discouraging.
The Anamero foundation Chairman, added that lack of interest on agriculture by the youths has further worsened the situation and if the trend was not timely checked, the Nation may be faced with great danger of food Insecurity.
He called on Government and non Governmental Organizations to promulgate friendly agricultural policies and programmes that can boost production.
Mr.Anamero, further asserted that, there was need to complement government efforts with training and stipends in order to achieve the desired of goal of encouraging young farmers to embrace agriculture.
He also appealed to government to include stipends in their policy framework especially the new entrants who need financial and material support to remain in the business of farming.
This, he said, would encourage more youths to see farming as a rewarding and productive venture.
He stressed the need for farmers to embrace new ways and methods of farming, adding that the formation of cooperative societies by farmers is a viable way in enlarging the present scale of farming size and considerably improve farming methods of cultivation by way of obtaining loans from financial institutions.
He reiterated his foundation commitment in providing the necessary expertise and guidance mechanism for successful take off and urged them to make judicious use of the grants to boost their productivity.
Mr.Anamero, appreciated the Volunteers and partners for their commitments and supports during the programme. He also lauded the invited guests and other Resource persons who came from far and near to support the training.
Various facilitators took turn to speak on different areas of agriculture ranging from Cocoa farming and Value Chain, Rice farming and Agricultural Cooperatives, Cashew production and farm produce marketing amongst others.
In his remarks, Mr.Abolarinwa Olayinka, National President of Cocoa farmers Association represented by Hon. Aghedo Bob Bosede, while giving his lecture said, Nigeria lost her prime position as the second producer of Cocoa due to lack of government support and lack of friendly policies on the part of the leadership to encourage farmers.
In his brief lecture, Hon.Paul Omoaka, Leventis farms Manager, urged farmers to start small and grow big .He called on farmers to engage in constant prunning of crops to boost productivity and urged them to visit Agricultural Experts before and during farming.
Responding on behalf of the farmers, Chief Jackson Sule and Mr. Ojo prayed Almighty God to continue to replenish Mr. Anamero.
They also thanked the convener for his interest in the growth of Edo North farmers and urged him to sustain the tempo.
In a interview with newsmen shortly after the Workshop, Mr. Joseph Ojo Ajanaku, National President of Cashew Farmers Association of Nigeria, said Mr. Anamero is a man sent from God to liberate his people, adding that the Convener is always interested in the growth of local farmers.
Highlights were presentation of Awards of Excellence to the facilitators by Mr.Anamero. The women cultural group added colour to the programme.
The theme of the Programme is ” Food Security, a Panacea for Socio- Economic Development”
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