From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Farmers under the aegis of Food Growers Association of Nigeria (FOGAN) have said they would not be perturbed by the Federal Government’s decision to reopen land borders.
FOGAN National President Joseph Owolabi, who addressed reporters on Monday in Abuja, said the reopening would crash food prices, as many farmers would be engaged in food production to meet the demands of consumers.
‘We are trying our best to make sure that the prices of food come down. Nigeria’s population is too high. Even what our farmers produce is not enough especially our rural farmers,’ Owolabi remarked.
‘Most of them are using cutlass, hoes and other tools which we are trying to eradicate by bringing tractors and other modern equipment.
‘So, what we are producing at present may not be able to feed the country. So, if the Federal Government decides to open the borders, it does not affect us.
‘It will still not affect our members. In fact, it will boost the economy and the high cost of foodstuff will come down.’
Owolabi indicated that the association would provide silos, fertilisers, insecticide, and seedlings at affordable prices to members nationwide to boost food production.
He added that ‘FOGAN has also, in partnership with Nigeria Institute of Soil Science, keyed into the scheme to make the seeders robust.
‘The association will partner with the Federal, State, and Local Government to bring a majority of the youth interested in farming to do it as agro-business.
‘In this regard, FOGAN will collaborate with traditional rulers in the provision of arable land members in their localities, thereby Nigeria Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA).’
He said every Nigerian interested in making the country food-sufficient is ‘welcome on board as the association has a department for physically-challenged interested in farming as a business too.’
