By Queen Kunde
The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) FCT Chapter has organized the 2024 Farmers’ day in the FCT to draw attention to the plight of farmers in and around the FCT in preparedness for the forth coming World Food Day commemoration.
In her opening remarks, AFAN Chairperson, FCT Chapter, Mrs. Perpetual Nkechi Okafor said the celebration is to usher in every agricultural Stakeholders and other relevant agencies into this year’s World Food Day Programme.
At the event, Farmers who came from all the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) also appealed for government support to establish a food and feed processing industry in Kuje Area Council.
The request is part of efforts to address post-harvest losses and boost value chain development.
Presenting the appeal, Mrs. Okafor, highlighted the need for the food processing industry, noting that it would convert agricultural waste into wealth and create job opportunities for women and youth.
She emphasised that such an initiative would improve food security, reduce post-harvest losses, and position FCT farmers to compete favorably with their internationally counterparts by adopting best agricultural practices.
Okafor further called on the FCT Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, to adopt AFAN’s proposed project as part of his agenda, urging him to allocate farmland to farmers in all six area councils of the FCT.
She stressed that providing such resources would encourage cluster farming, develop cottage industries, and promote farming among women, youth, and people with disabilities.
AFAN FCT chapter also seeks partnerships with corporate organisations, international agencies, relevant ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to foster collaboration in agriculture, environment, science, and technology.
Okafor expressed confidence that such partnerships would drive agricultural growth and ensure the sustainability of food production in Nigeria.
According her, “As custodians of food security, farmers are the key to national development; with your support, we can demonstrate that agriculture is the backbone of our economy “.
The Farmers‘ Day celebration, which serves as a prelude to the 2024 World Food Day slated for October 16, brought together agricultural stakeholders, policymakers, and farmers to discuss strategies to achieve nutrition and food security in the FCT and across Nigeria.