By Jabiru Hassan
The National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Alhaji Muhammad Magaji Gettado, has called on the Federal Government to reintroduce subsidies on key agricultural inputs and resume direct purchase of surplus farm produce to support Nigerian farmers.
Speaking to journalists, Gettado said farmers are currently operating without subsidies on fertiliser, agro-chemicals, improved seeds and mechanised equipment. He noted that the rising cost of these inputs is affecting productivity and limiting efforts to boost food production and economic growth.
According to him, targeted government intervention would help lower production costs and strengthen the agricultural sector. He added that with adequate support, farmers could meet domestic food demand and generate surplus for broader economic activities.
Gettado also urged the government to consider purchasing excess farm produce directly from farmers, similar to past interventions. He said such a policy could help stabilise prices, reduce post-harvest losses and protect farmers from market volatility.
The AFAN president assured members that the association would continue to advocate policies aimed at improving profitability in both rural and urban farming communities. He also commended the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the current administration for ongoing efforts to develop the agricultural sector.
