Farmers Call For Govt Partnership, Support in Agric Sector ….Bringing Back School Farming Is Our Priority

The Youth Farmers Development Initiative (YFDI) has called on the Federal and State Governments to make policy in the enforcement of agriculture practical science as a compulsory subject in primary, secondary schools across the country.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to office of the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Asaba; the National Secretary of YFDI, Hon. James Nkereuwem Okon said we are very happy to be in Delta State today, while expressing the group’s greetings to the Smart Executive Governor, His Excellency, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.

He said “This noble visit was to discuss the way forward in ensuring agriculture practical science is taught in every primary and secondary schools across the country; to create awareness and to understand the process of investing in Agro business”.

Hon. Okon said Youth Farmers Development Initiative is soliciting the state government partnership and support in engaging Delta State youths in agricultural revolution.

According to him, “Primarily to start the process of getting land to use as demonstration farms based on the policy of His Excellency Smart Agenda and also to catch them young in the process of bringing back school farming system”.

The group, he said, was established in 2008 to encourage, educate and mobilize Nigerian youths to undertake a systematic and modern approach of massive agricultural production.

“We have realized that Agriculture is the most reasonable and reliable way out of this post covid-19 era. The best time is now to teach our youths the importance of agriculture in schools because Agriculture is practical,” he reiterated.

In his words, “YFDI has the structure to promote agriculture as a veritable vocation capable of directing the agility of youths away from crimes and other dangerous trends among youths”.

Also speaking is the State Coordinator of YFDI, Deacon Ovie Akoro, “I am specifically thanking the Honourable Commissioner for the warm reception. I am glad that the State Government has accepted the proposal of Youth Farmers Development Initiative and promising to work in synergy to make this project a reality”.

Responding, Delta State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr. Julius Eyetan Egbedi said the State Government has done well in educating and motivating youths in the state to go into massive agricultural development.

Robust and focused agricultural extension services, he added have been put in place to support farmers. The State Government has also put in place strategies that will boost agricultural produce and job creation to Deltans. It is our desire to encourage and create an enabling environment for farming to thrive through the private sector and Public/Private Partnership.

According to him, “We will ensure active participation in the development of agriculture in the state by engaging Nigerian youths in farming because agriculture is profitable.”