The Etche Co-operative Farmers Union in Rivers State, has urged the government to reactivate the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), to assist farmers at the grassroots.
Mr. Godwin Akandu, the President of the union,?? made the call on Tuesday in Port Harcourt.
Akandu said that the extension officers’ role in educating farmers on quality yield was necessary for a successful agricultural practice and achieving bumper harvest.
He said: “The ADP, which is expected to educate farmers on best farm practices and also serve as a bridge between farmers and government, has been inactive with its facilities overgrown with weeds.”
He urged the government to reactivate ADP in order to reap maximum benefit from its expenditure in the agriculture sector.
The president also underscored the importance to ensuring farmers' access to agricultural loan, to boost production and expansion of businesses.
Akandu advised youths in the state to embrace agriculture and make a career from it.
He also called on the government to release the N1 billion given to each state under the N200 billion Commercial Agriculture Fund by the Federal Government in 2010.
He expressed sadness that farmers had yet to access the fund two years after being directed to submit applications and open accounts to be able to access the loan.
He urged the government to re-visit the issue and ensure that the money was given to genuine farmers.
Akandu commended the government over its budgetary allocation to the agriculture sector and stressed the need for adequate assistance to farmers.