By Daniel Ayantoye
As farmers under the Kwara State Offtakers Demand Driven Agriculture (ODDA) scheme commence seed planting across the state, the process may experience hitch due to inadequate tractors in the state, National Pilot has learnt.
The state Chairman of All farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) Ajibola Olawale in a telephone chat with this medium last night disclosed that the three tractors released to the association by the state government has been deployed to Kwara South and Kwara Central.
He explained that the challenge would slow down land cultivation process and planting in local governments in the state.
“There are only 10 functional tractors in the state, only three were given to AFAN, which is grossly inadequate. Farmers were already planting in Kaiama and Baruten Local Government Areas as at Monday.
On the N1billion agriculture fund; he said 80 members of the association selected from each local government received the fund.
“The fund has been received by all our farmers. Part of it was in cash for application of chemical, planting of seed and application of fertilizer, while the other part was in form of input like seeds; maize, seed of soya beans and rice,” he added.
When contacted for reaction, the State Commissioner, Mr. Adegoke Bamidele said he would react on the issue tomorrow (today).
