AMANA Farmers caution FG against political farmers

The Federal Government has been urged to put in place special mechanism to ensure that only core farmers benefit from its agric social input loans scheme.
The National President of AMANA Farmers and Grains Suppliers Association of Nigeria (AFGSAN), Alhaji Haruna Ahmad Fanbeguwa made the call during the North Central Conference meeting and Inauguration of Kwara State and local executives held in Ilorin on Saturday.
He said “All farming interventions should be made to reach the farmers before the commencement of planting season.
Alhaji Ahmad -Fanbeguwa explained that all political farmers who engage in the sales of farm inputs given to them should be weeded out to give way for genuine farmers.
He commended the Federal Government for granting farmers’ associations loans through the Central Bank of Nigeria to support farming activities in the country.
The AMANA boss tasked the the newly inaugurated executive to be active and carry members along in their activities for the association to move to greater heights.
Speaking shortly after the inauguration, the Kwara State Chairman of the association, Mallam Mukaila Alabi Salaudeen emphasized that the body’s executive would work with the state government to ensure availability of seedlings, fertilizers to members.
He appreciated the national leadership for ensuring the inauguration of Kwara and local chapters.
The chairman solicited support of members so as to enjoy the dividends of the association through the leadership.
The Guest Speaker, Mr. Muritala Abiodun explained the benefits accruable to registered members of the association such as having ready made market for off takers through value chain network, good suppliers of farm inputs for better productivity, income opportunities among others.
The Emir of Ilorin,Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari who was represented by Etsu Tsaragi ,Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi urged the Federal Government to strengthened security in farm settlements to encourage more people to venture into farming.