Food production: AFAN urges FG, states to prioritise mechanized farming

Alhaji Faruk Rabi’u, the chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria in Kano state has urged the Federal and State governments to prioritise mechanized farming for massive food production in the country.
He told the News Agency of Nigeria in Kano on Saturday that this would ensure a shift from the traditional system of farming to the modern ways which is the new trend across the globe.
He noted that many developed nations and some developing countries had since shifted to mechanized farming in view of its widely accepted relevance.
According to him, there is need for the governments to focus on mechanized farming to reduce the hardship experienced by local farmers.
Rabi’u said: “It is believed that mechanized farming reduces cost of production and ensure massive food production.
“For a farmer to cultivate one hectre of farm locally he has to spend about N30,000 but with the use of tractors he will need N6,000 only. So going by this, the cost of production will reduce.’’
Rabi’u, who is also the state chairman of Wheat Farmers Association of Nigeria, said mechanized farming would ensure massive food production as many wealthy people had now embraced the business.
He said: “More so with the various interventions on the sector, there is need for the government to focus on mechanized farming to enable farmers access tractors and other farming implement for massive production of cash and food crops.’’
The chairman commended the Federal Government for the steps taken to ensure availability of fertilizer at subsidized rates.
He expressed optimism that Kano state would record bumper harvest this farming season in view of the steady rainfall recorded in all parts of the state.