* Seek more support to purchase implements
Farmers in Abia North senatorial district have applauded the Senator representing the zone, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, for his intervention in their vocation, with the distribution of fertilizers and provision of soft loans to their members.
They, nonetheless, appealed to the Senate Chief Whip for more support to enable them purchase farming tools such as wheelbarrows, shovels, cutlasses to boost their food production.
The farmers’ letter to the Senate Chief Whip was co-signed by the Chairman of Abia North Farmers Association, Mr. Mike Ndukwo, and Secretary, Mrs. Ifeoma Akuma
The letter partly reads: “On behalf of the farmers, we appeal to Your Excellency to support our subsistence farming and boost food production in Abia North senatorial district.
“You are doing your best through your interventions in fertilizer distribution and loans to our members but we urge you to increase your investment in the agricultural sector in Abia North senatorial district.”
The farmers said governments should encourage farmers not to lose focus or interest in farming, to sustain food production in the country.
“You have built many roads and touched several areas in Abia North but we need to be supported with more farming inputs, finance, among others,” they said, while decrying the challenges faced by farmers, noting that it has affected the food supply.
“Most farmers have invested heavily without realising profits, and they find it difficult to reinvest due to financial constraints. We have to practicalise the dictum of ‘no farmer, no nation’, which translates to no food.”
“The old farming methods are still being applied in several areas, and this greatly discourages the youths. Governments should support farmers with more equipment including wheelbarrows, shovels, knives to make the venture attractive and less stressful.
“They should ensure that farmers access farm inputs, fertilisers, agro chemicals, seedlings, among others, to enhance food production.”