NAN-AE-5
Production
Zaria (Kaduna State), Oct. 6, 2017 (NAN) The Kaduna State chapter of All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has called on the state government to engage more agricultural extension workers.
The state AFAN Chairman, Alhaji Nuhu Aminu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Zaria that the inadequate number of extension workers in the state was a major setback to its agricultural production.
He said that the current ratio of one extension worker to 800 farmers was grossly inadequate.
Aminu said: “Extension workers remain pivotal to the success of agriculture and agricultural programmes, hence the need for the state government to increase their number.
“For effective and successful agricultural practice, at least an extension worker should oversee 100 farmers.
“Therefore, I want to appeal to Kaduna State Government to recruit more extension workers; this will enable farmers to be more educated in various aspects of agriculture to boost crop production.’’
Besides, Aminu suggested the re-engagement of retired extension workers not only to complement the efforts of the current extension workers but also to assist the younger ones and update their skills.
The AFAN chairman, however, underscored the need for the government at all levels to stop paying lip-service to agriculture.
“Government should initiate pragmatic plans to develop the agriculture sector; it should be proactive by providing the necessary tools and implements to the farmers in order to boost their yield.
“We are also appealing to the government to increase its budgetary allocations to agriculture,’’ Aminu said. (NAN)
KLM/OFN/OOK
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Edited by Felix Nwadioha and Dayo Komolafe