By Awwal Umar Kontagora In the wake of the recent drought and heavy downpours that have devastated crops, Ambassador Dr. Nura Hashim, a lead...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
In the wake of the recent drought and heavy downpours that have devastated crops, Ambassador Dr. Nura Hashim, a leader of the Youth Farmers' Association in Niger State, has called on young people not to be dissuaded from participating in the agricultural sector. He expressed optimism that with endurance and dedication, food security can be achieved, which would help end hunger and unemployment among the youth.
Amb. Nura acknowledged the significant losses incurred by farmers, especially given that many had invested their limited capital in agriculture, only to face such setbacks. However, he emphasized that opportunities still exist, and with patience, farmers can recover their losses.
He highlighted that in Niger State, under the leadership of Governor Umar Mohammed Bago, strategic measures have been implemented in the agricultural sector. The Niger Food Center and the Ministry of Agriculture are working diligently to ensure that the community benefits from these plans, which aim to boost food production in the state and the country as a whole. Amb. Nura expressed appreciation for these initiatives.
He also stressed the importance of planning for irrigation farming, noting that it differs significantly from rainy-season farming and requires substantial investment in irrigation systems, seeds, and modern fertilizers, along with careful management.
Amb. Nura advised that after harvesting during the rainy season, farmers should not rest on their laurels. Instead, they should prepare their farmlands for the dry season to enhance productivity. This approach, he noted, would create jobs and help alleviate poverty, hunger, and the high cost of food.
Furthermore, he suggested that farmers should diversify their crops, moving away from staples like corn and rice, and focusing on planting white beans, millet, and similar crops.
Addressing the broader issue of crime, Amb. Nura attributed it to unemployment and hunger, challenges that the government alone cannot resolve. He encouraged self-reliance among the youth, emphasizing that such efforts would make it easier for the government to provide support, including loans to help farmers progress.
On the matter of security, Amb. Nura acknowledged the improvements made since Governor Umar Bago took office but noted that some challenges persist, particularly with regard to attacks on farmers. He urged the government to adopt more tactical measures to address these security issues, as ensuring safety is crucial for the agricultural sector to thrive. Without security, he cautioned, nothing meaningful can be achieved.
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