By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
KOGI State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Timothy Ojomah has reiterated the need for farmers to do away with subsistence farming and adopt mechanized agriculture to boost food sufficiency and security.
Ojoma stated this in his submission to Kogi State House of Assembly standing Committee on Agriculture in defence of his Ministry’s proposed budget estimates for 2024, on Saturday at the assembly complex.
The Commissioner said that for the Federal Government policy on Food Security to be realized, it was paramount for farmers to adopt at least, Small-scale Model of mechanized agriculture.
He said the model which was initiated by Thailand where hand tillers were used rather than the expensive tractors, had worked and boosted the economy of that country.
Ojoma reminded the House that Agricultural activities were time bound saying that the policy on farm inputs must take cognizance and be mindful of time.
In line with this, he said, the State Government has approved the distribution of fertilizers and other inputs for dry season farming in the state but urged that the distribution be done on time especially to small-holder farmers.
Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, Hon. Bello Oluwaseyi Victor who was represented by the vice chairman, Hon. Usman Ochidi, reiterated the need to empower and support the Ministry through appropriate legislations to ensure food security in the state.
He urged the Ministry to be creative and forthcoming with ideas in ensuring that farmers get what they require to produce enough food for consumption and possibly export. (Ends)