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Agric advancement: Roadmaps, policies for sustainable future
It is concerning that various agricultural sector roadmaps are not being drawn in alignment with the necessary agricultural policies that could have been implemented.
If the agricultural policies had been established, they could have cleared the way for the development of these important sectors. The problems associated with access to food might have been resolved.
We urge the Federal Government of Nigeria to take the initiative to enact such policies and continue pushing for agricultural practices to take the lead.
This situation results from the government’s lack of political will and the persistent high food costs and shortages of agricultural products, demonstrating the underdevelopment of the agricultural sectors.
Serious intervention is needed, and a good roadmap could bring us to the promised land, effectively develop the agricultural sectors, and contribute to the country’s economic progress and growth.
Road Plans for Agriculture
Agricultural road plans will pave the way for Nigeria’s industrial development and create industrial connections between producers and consumers. They will integrate various research institutes, universities, and the private sector.
Developing a roadmap for the agricultural sectors is essential. Addressing the current state of affairs and attending to the needs of farmers, rather than solely focusing on production, processing, preservation, value addition, and various levels of development, will facilitate cultivation and lead to the overall achievement of the average Nigerian citizen.
Roadmap plans specifying what needs to be done, with specific, measurable, time-bound steps and clear responsibilities, are also necessary.
The country’s economy could develop if different agricultural roadmaps are designed and implemented, considering financing, timely delivery, and the methodology for achieving these goals. This will boost economic development and ensure good trade and services.
Ability to move and speak in order to attain lasting results for farmers
Even though there are setbacks such as poor harvests, shortages of agricultural products, and high costs of agricultural inputs, there are ways to overcome these challenges.
One way is to have faith in a brighter future and discipline your mind in all areas, looking forward to the future with hope despite setbacks like love losses, poverty, resource shortages, and the current state of the economy. It is equally important to see the future with hope.
Work extremely hard despite all setbacks, believing that things will work out for you. The better you develop this mindset, the better life will be. You must acquire discipline and persevere through all phases of love failure and life difficulties to win repeatedly throughout your lifetime.
The Abundant Yield of Small-Scale Farmers
Active farmers are cultivating various types of land with great potential, but more land needs to be cultivated. This is essential and educational due to the abundance of agricultural programs. Increased cultivation can make certain agricultural products less scarce and lower their costs.
However, it is important to consider risks and uncertainties like climate change, natural phenomena like low rainfall, pests and diseases, and the high population demands that Nigeria faces.
Despite these challenges, addressing risks and uncertainties is crucial. Improving the ways land is cultivated and managed, along with the technical know-how of farm overseers, is essential for obtaining credit and making money. Proper fertilizer application, timely planting of crops, breeding various animal stocks, and cultivation practices must be prioritized.
Nigeria’s must cultivate more land and produce more
Nigeria has vast hectares of land, yet there is a shortage of food, and life’s outcomes are not diverse. This underutilization of land is concerning. Early development of the agricultural sectors is urged to potentially lessen hunger.
This can only be accomplished by mechanize farming, hiring more workers, and providing necessary support to develop the agricultural sectors.
Increasing land under cultivation will guarantee overall agricultural sector growth, resulting in food production, raw materials for industry, agricultural value chain development, surplus food for export, and overall economic value.
Ensuring proper storage of Agricultural products
The country’s food shortage and availability issues stem from low production and poor storage of products. We often have food surpluses during harvest seasons, but lack sufficient plans to store it, leading to losses from pests, derangements, and theft. During off-seasons, this work must be doubled, with more silos and yam barns constructed.
More Agricultural facilities and Warehousing Systems
More agricultural facilities and warehousing systems are needed to store harvested food, enabling exports to other countries. Emphasis should be placed on establishing storage mechanisms, processing centers, simple refrigeration technology for perishable vegetables, and value addition to extend the shelf life of all agricultural products, ensuring year-round food availability.
Assisting with Marketing Board and Storage System Development
The degradation of agricultural products during harvest seasons requires significant interventions, as do the short harvesting seasons. Food can be stored to extend seasons, and developing packaging and transportation systems will ensure equitable distribution and efficient marketing.
Setting up and developing a marketing board to regulate prices, products, and distribution is urgent. This will increase average farmer profitability, supply of agricultural products, and successful production endeavors.
Timely release and distribution of agricultural products will enable farming more land, establishing food banks, and making food available to all, ultimately achieving beneficial outcomes.
Embracing Technology and Innovation in Agriculture
Incorporating modern technology and innovative practices into agriculture is essential for improving productivity and efficiency. Precision agriculture, drone technology, and IoT (Internet of Things) devices can help monitor crop health, optimize resource use, and increase yields.
Investment in agricultural research and development is crucial for discovering new methods to combat pests, enhance crop varieties, and improve soil health.
Promoting Sustainable Agricultural Practices
Sustainability is key to the long-term success of the agricultural sectors. Encouraging practices such as crop rotation, organic farming, and conservation tillage can help preserve soil health, reduce environmental impact, and maintain biodiversity.
Policies should be put in place to support farmers in adopting these sustainable methods, ensuring the agricultural sector remains viable for future generations.
Enhancing Agricultural Education and Training
Education and training are vital for the progress of the agricultural sectors. Farmers need access to up-to-date information on best practices, new technologies, and market trends.
Establishing agricultural training centers and extension services can provide farmers with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve their productivity and profitability. Partnerships with universities and research institutions can further support this educational effort.
Strengthening Agricultural Cooperatives
Agricultural cooperatives can play a significant role in supporting small-scale farmers. By pooling resources and working collectively, farmers can achieve economies of scale, access better financing options, and improve their bargaining power in the market.
Encouraging the formation and strengthening of agricultural cooperatives will enhance the overall resilience and competitiveness of the agricultural sectors.
Increasing Access to Financing for Farmers
Access to finance is a critical issue for many farmers. Developing financial products tailored to the needs of the agricultural sector, such as microloans, crop insurance, and investment funds, can help farmers invest in necessary inputs and expand their operations.
Collaboration between the government, financial institutions, and international organizations can create an enabling environment for increased agricultural financing.
By Michael Adedotun Oke,
Project Facilitator, Talent Upgrade Global Concept, Michael Adedotun Oke Foundation, Plot 232 Kaida Road, Old Kutunku, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria
maof2020@gmail.com
+23408027142077
