A governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu on Thursday charged the government to support farming and agriculture in the State.

He assured that such policy measures will help to prevent shortage of food, wreck of the local economy caused by restrictions order and prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the State.

In a statement issued by Mr John Mayaki, Director of Communication and Media, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu Campaign Organization, emphasized the need to look inwards for pragmatic solutions that reflect the realities of the State.

He tasked the State government to provide agricultural subsidies and prioritize security of rural farmers by making sufficient investments into helping them improve farm yields, storage and sale of produce.

He said: “Farming is not a short term venture; so how do our people combat hunger during these period of lockdown.  Most of our farmers are in the rural areas and are not directly affected by the restrictions in the urban areas. What has hindered our farmers is the menace of herdsmen and Boko Haram activities in the north where most of our food come from.

“In the interim, government and public spirited persons must be encouraged to  give palliatives to those in dire need to avoid violence and looting occasioned by hunger virus.”

“Government must encourage farmers to grow more by buying their products and supporting them. I  have always advised on the need to set up a food bank for now and the future. 

“People should be encouraged to farm but it is not an easy ride and requires well thought out policies and incentives involving availability of arable land, seedlings and support capital.

“The present situation is volatile and requires short, medium and long term solutions.”

 60 total views