The Kogi Government on Wednesday tasked women farmers on large scale food production.
Mr Timothy Ojomah, Commissioner for Agriculture, gave the charge during the celebration of the 2024 World Food Day in Lokoja on Wednesday.
Ojomah, who was represented by a director in the ministry, Mr Kunle Agbana, described women farmers under the auspices of the Small Scale Women Farmers Organisation of Nigeria (,SWOFON), as “vital partners” in progress.
He said that the administration of Gov. Usman Ododo is committed streamlining the Agricultural sector for all round the year farming activities toward massive food production and development of the state
“We expect a lot from our resilient women farmers in SWOFON and other organizations to rise to the challenge of producing more food to feed Nigerians.
“As a government, we have provided the need atmosphere through provision of 8,000 hacters of land and farming inputs such as Fertilisers, Chemicals, seeds, credit facilities amongst others to ginger our farmers in the state.
“We are looking at a situation where all farm produce such as mangoes, tomatoes and cashews will not be seen being wasted on the ground but are preserved as grains in silos,
“Therefore, let our women farmers also be engaged in irrigation farming for all round the year farming activities toward massive food production and security in the state, ” he said.
Earlier, the SWOFON Coordinator, Hajia Rukayat Ahmed said that the gathering was not only to commemorate the world food day that was crucial to global food systems, but to reflect upon the important role that women farmers play in ensuring food security and nutrition across our nation.
Ahmed said:”today, we stand united in our commitment to combat hunger and promote sustainable agriculture.
“The theme for-this year’s celebration, “Right to Foods for a better life and better tomorrow, ” is particularly significant as it calls for collective action and advocacy for the millions of smallholder farmers, especially women, who work tirelessly to feed their families and communities.
“Women in agriculture are the backbone of our food systems. They not only cultivate the land but also nurture the future of our nation.
“Therefore, It’s essential that government and other corporate organisations recognise this and empower us, women, by providing us with access to resources, training, and financial support for us to strive and ensure that our entire communities flourish, ” she said.
Also speaking, Alhaji Idris Muraina, the Chairman of the Kogi Non-Governmental Organization Network (KONGNet) called for more budgetary allocations to women farmers to help encourage them in food production and security. (NAN)
