Farmers decry late distribution of fertiliser in Nasarawa State


Some farmers in Nasarawa State on Thursday decried the late distribution of fertiliser by the Nasarawa state government to farmers, warning that the delay could affect crop production.
In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Keffi, Nasarawa State, some farmers said that the timely distribution of fertilisers was critical for a successful planting season.
Mr Moses Ada, a farmer, said that the importance of early distribution of fertilisers and other farm inputs to the farmers by the government could not be over-emphasised.
“We are all aware that no society can live comfortably or survive without agriculture.
“Agriculture is the major source of livelihood for families and nations and its importance cannot be overemphasised to the development of any society.
“We are now in June and the Nasarawa State Government is yet to distribute fertilisers to us the farmers and this may affect agricultural production in the state.
“Let us be sincere with ourselves, if government wants to boost agricultural production, fertilisers should be distributed to farmers early enough.
“I want to use this medium to urge the state government to distribute fertilisers to farmers early to boost food production.” Ada said
Also, Alhaji Sule Abubakar expressed concern over the late distribution of fertilisers, saying it had affected the production of crops.
He called on the government to ensure early distribution of the fertilisers to boost food production and socio-economic development of the state.
“If it is true that the government want to create job and fight poverty through agriculture, it left for government to take adequate steps in ensuring early distribution of fertilisers and other farm inputs to farmers,“ he said
Abubakar said that early distribution of fertilisers to the farmers would not only boost food production but would also improve on the revenue of the state government and the country at large.
Another farmer, James Anthony said that most farmers in the state were poor and could not afford to buy fertilisers at the open market price.
``The state government should always ensure early provision of fertilisers to farmers to enhance bumper harvest,” he said. 

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