Plateau pledges special intervention in agriculture


 The Plateau government says it is working on special intervention programmes to boost agricultural production in the state.

                            
The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Lynda Barau, disclosed this on Thursday in Pankshin at a pre-season training workshop for farmers.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the workshop was organised by the Plateau Agricultural and Development Programme (PADP) to herald the farming season as rain sets in.
It was attended by farmers from the 17 local government areas of the state.
``We are working on some interventions which will come alongside modern facilities that will help our farmers grow crops and animals alike in the scientific way.
``I want to assure you that the era of siphoning of materials meant for farmers is gone, so each registered farmer will get any intervention meant for them directly; no middle men.
``We are all aware that for the past eight years training of this kind was not organised for farmers in this state, and holding it today shows our commitment towards boosting agricultural activities,’’ she said.

She reiterated the commitment of the government to improving agricultural activities in the state.
In a speech, Management Committee Chairman, Pankshin local government, Mr Stephen Jings, urged farmers to take advantage of the training to better agricultural production in the state.
He expressed optimism that the state government would fulfill its promise to develop agriculture to diversify the economic fortunes of the state and nation.
``There is no need for Nigerians to import food when we have the land mass and the fertile soil to make our country rich and independent in terms of agricultural production.
``I am optimistic that with the way governments at all levels are talking about agriculture, soon our farmers will be richer than some civil servants, `` he said.
In a welcome address, Programme Manager of PADP, Mr Philip Gonap, said the training was to prepare farmers for the 2016 farming season.
He added that the training would enable farmers to explore modern knowledge in boosting agricultural activities for more yields.
``This training is aimed at preparing the minds of our great farmers to the upcoming raining season.
``The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) in its 2016 prediction announced that this year's rains will not only start early but will also cease early.
``This then means that we need to be proactive and focused else we will miss the season.
``So, to achieve this, we feel farmers must come together to brainstorm and educate each other so as to enhance agricultural activities in Plateau, `` he said.
In her remarks, Chairman All Farmers Association in Plateau, Mrs Sarah Chuwang, commended the efforts of the government in trying to rejuvenate agricultural production in the state.
Chuwang who was represented by Mr Emmanuel Shipi, the Chairman, Potato Farmers Association, said that farmers were ready to cooperate with government in its vision to improve agricultural activities.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the workshop will last for two days.

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