The move by the Farmers’ Empowerment Association to launch its Edo State Chapter is geared towards the need for local farmers to improve their income, enhance food security and to cushion the effects of the ravaging Coronavirus pandemic on agricultural production.
Speaking at the launching ceremony in Auchi on Friday, President of the Association, Mr. David Obaje said the initiative is to help local farmers in Edo State to access funds for their farming activities.
According to him: “The programme is to launch the Farmers’ Empowerment Association, Edo State and to assist participating farmers to embark on large scale farming by registering with Cooperative society with a view to accessing fund for their farming activities. We encourage the farmers to join cooperative society so that they can benefit from government agricultural Programmes and policies.
“The loan giving to farmers is to be paid back because farming is a serious business. You can’t defraud the bank if you want to succeed in the business. We are aware that some farmers face disaster in their farming activities such as fire, flood etc. But, we also encourage them to take insurance policy as a cover for their loses.”
Mr. Timothy Igodalor, who represented the State Ministry of Agriculture encouraged participating farmers to diversify into cashew production. He disclosed that the there alot of investment opportunities in it which he listed to include; cashew juice, cashew wine, drinks and even chemical for industrial use.
On his part, Chairman Auchi Farmers Union, Mr. Mamudu Aruna said that because of the limited land available in Auchi, the Association will encourage it’s members to engaged more in fishery, poultry and livestock production.
He appealed to the Association for fund and support.
A participant at the event, Mr. Zekeri Aliu, who spoke with this blog said his hope in farming activities has been reignited with the launching of the empowerment scheme.
“I will definitely take this goodnews to my entire family. As a farmer, I now have hope”. He said.
High point of the event is the inauguration of the maiden Committee to pilot the affairs of the new Chapter of the Association.
Get a premium automobile insurance coverage for your vehicle for as low as #15000 only and claim up to #3,000,000 in damages @Zenith Insurance To signup: WhatsApp/Call: +2349028313757
