Selling farm produce before harvest worries AFAN chairman

Alhaji Nuhu Aminu, the Chairman of the Kaduna State chapter of the All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria, has expressed worry on the attitude of farmers, who sell farm produce before harvest.
Aminu told newsmen in Zaria on Tuesday that the development had become worrisome in view of the fact that such activities might lead to food scarcity in the state.
Aminu said: “It has become mandatory to raise this alarm because I personally visited the affected farms.
“This, of course is a terrible act and if care is not taken, it will endanger our future.
“The worst part of it is that the buyers buy the farm produce at any rate.
“These people go for rice and maize still standing on farmlands and they have their agents all over the state.”
The chairman observed that if the farmers refused to take to advice now, the consequences would not only affect them, but the entire society in the future.
He said: “We must say the truth, if farmers take this advice, it is good for all of us.
“Otherwise, it will be to the detriment of all as food scarcity does not affect individuals alone but the entire society.”
Aminu also urged the farmers to be mindful of God’s right over their farm produce, urging them to always give out alms (Zakat) to the poor and the needy as ordered by God.
Aminu noted: “Farmers must bear in mind that they are inviting calamity by selling off their farm produce without giving out Zakat because you cannot give out money as Zakat for farm produce.
“Islam has directed us to give out Zakat of farm produce that reaches Nisab during harvest not before harvest and not in monetary terms.
“Remember, it is by the mercy of God Almighty that we experience annual rainfall and it is by his mercy that we cultivate crops and still by God’s grace that we harvest the yields.”