The Federal Government has been advised to liaise with governors and local government Chairmen in the country in providing funds and other inputs to genuine farmers, to prevent the funds being hijacked by dishonest middle men.
The Chairman of Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Nto Mbah, made the call on Saturday during the celebration of the new yam festival of his community, Ata Igboukwu Umuzimgbo community of Arochukwu LGA.
He said that genuine farmers, who are the backbone of food production in the country, are mostly found at the grassroots but are oftentimes short-changed by machineries who pose as middle men in the distribution of loans, grants, and other farm inputs.
“Government at all levels should be intentional about promoting agriculture, ensuring food security, and fighting hunger and starvation. They should provide farm equipment, soft loans, and grants to support food production in the country.”
While commending President Bola Tinubu for his support to farmers, Eze Mbah said:
“I urge him to liaise with state Governors and local government Chairmen to bring such assistance down to the real farmers who are at the grassroots.”
He also said that Nigerian youths should be encouraged to go back to farming, saying that it would help tackle unemployment, solve the hunger crisis, and checkmate insecurity.
He appreciated the efforts of Governor Alex Otti in providing financial assistance and other modern training for Abia farmers.
Speaking at the event, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, commended Eze Linus Nto Mbah for preserving the culture of his people, assuring that his government is committed to maintaining rural access roads to enable farmers evacuate farm products to the urban areas where food is needed.
