Agriculturalist advises farmers to form cooperative societies

NAN-H-19
Agriculture
By Mohammed Lawal
Zaria (Kaduna State), Nov. 18, 2016 (NAN) Alhaji Dahiru Aliyu,
the Zonal Extension Officer, Maigana Zone of Kaduna State Agricultural Development Project (KADP), has advised farmers to form cooperative societies to benefit from government’s agricultural programmes.
Aliyu gave the advice at the inauguration of “Empowerment Body“ of Danmagaji Martaba Commercial Farmers` Cooperative Society held on Friday at Danmagaji, Zaria, Kaduna State.
He said the call became imperative in view of the importance of cooperative societies not only to the farmers but to the entire society.
“It gladdens my heart to state that the present administration placed priority on agriculture, hence, the introduction of different policies and programmes toward boosting the sector.
“In view of this, there is the need for farmers to form cooperative societies to benefit from such policies and programmes, “ he said.
While assuring the readiness of government to assist farmers at all levels, Aliyu said such assistance would only come through farmers’ cooperative societies and associations.
“Remember, societies and associations play greater role, because government or bank will never deal with an individual, rather it`s easier to deal with group(s) of people under one leadership.
“As such, it is pertinent to note that no meaningful development can be achieved by any single person, however, it could be largely achieved under cooperative societies, “ he said.
He congratulated the members of Danmagaji Cooperative Society for their zeal and courage to come together under one umbrella to assist themselves.
In his remarks, the Treasurer of the body, Alhaji Abubakar Rilwan, said the body would assist members of the public who desire to help themselves.
“I mean that we will be an instrument through which members of the public willing to assist themselves will also be assisted in their business activities by the Empowerment Body.
“Let me assure you that everything will be done according to statutory laws to avoid abuse in the body’s fund, “ he said.
Rilwan said the assistance from the body would be based on the ability of individual(s) to meet the stipulated requirements.
Earlier, the chairman of the cooperative society, Alhaji Umar Ahmed-Ma’aji, had said that the society faced a tough challenge before coming on board.
He, however, said that the journey had begun to yield some positive results, particularly, with the success it recorded in recent time.
He enumerated some achievements of the society to include: engaging members in Zobo farming in this year’s farming season.
“We are happy today we are witnessing the inauguration of the empowerment body while we await to participate in othe dry season wheat farming usually organised by the Kaduna State Government, “ he said. (NAN)
KLM/MOL/PAD
=============
Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Peter Dada