ABUJA- THE Federation of Agricultural Commodity Associations of Nigeria FACAN, yesterday, warned that if the Federal Government fails to provide adequate security for farmers and their investments food prices will continue to increase.


Speaking with Vanguard in a chat, the Chairman Board of Trustees, BoT, FACAN, Dr Victor Iyama, said the major issue is to guarantee the security of farmers and their property for more food that will lead to affordability, availability and accessibility.



Iyama also pointed out that the issue of releasing grains from the grain reserves is a temporary solution but the government should handle the issue of securing farmers with all seriousness, which had been not given adequate attention by previous governments.

He said: “The temporary measure of releasing grains to cushion high food prices in the first instances, how many people will get to, well it is a good step but we should be talking more about how we can secure our farms and lives and property of our farmers in a situation where we go to farm we will be looking over our shoulders if they are coming or not.

“So it is not just about releasing grains, well, you can release grains maybe it will help a fraction of the society but the main solution like I have always said is by all means the lives and property of farmers must be secured if we are serious about food security that is the only solution and it is not just about fertilizer.

“Like I said in 2023, food security is the security of the lives and property of the farmer, and if you do that you will know that Nigerian farmers cannot only Nigerians but feed the whole of Africa, and it is as simple as that.

“We should not shy away from that because if you cannot protect farmers there cannot be food in the country. For me, we are not getting it. What we have in the silos cannot even satisfy one State. “

However, he said farmers are very bold and are producing food while some are afraid because they do not have that courage to go to the farm, and he maintained that the bottom-line remains securing the lives of farmers and their investment.

“Our people are ready to go to the farm, and are still producing, and that is why there is food in the market but expensive because farmers are not secured, and the bottom-line is to secure farmers because we need to produce more food but the lives of farmers need to be secured”, he added.

iwaeda:



https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/02/hunger-if-fg-fails-to-secure-farmers-food-prices-ll-remain-high-facan/

iwaeda:



https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/02/hunger-if-fg-fails-to-secure-farmers-food-prices-ll-remain-high-facan/

Dobodobo04:
Currently, we have very few police officers and I think some of them should be used to provide security for farmers in highly affected areas.

However, government should allow farmers high private security if they wish to, and incentivise it.

Also, by now, FG should standardise private security and regulate it, so private industries are issued licences to execute security functions. Police and soldiers that are not well paid enough can switch to private security instead of venturing into crime.

These private security outfits can then be employed by farmers, companies, etc to protect lives and infrastructures.

Dobodobo04:
Currently, we have very few police officers and I think some of them should be used to provide security for farmers in highly affected areas.

However, government should allow farmers high private security if they wish to, and incentivise it.

Also, by now, FG should standardise private security and regulate it, so private industries are issued licences to execute security functions. Police and soldiers that are not well paid enough can switch to private security instead of venturing into crime.

These private security outfits can then be employed by farmers, companies, etc to protect lives and infrastructures.

bitbillionaire:
Security companies are actually regulated in Nigeria; only that for now, they are not allowed to use firearm. They are under Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. Any security company in Nigeria not registered with NSCDC is operating illegally.

Yeah, instead of, or while waiting for state police, the federal government could grant registered security companies permission to train their guards on how to use firearms and they should be allowed to bear arms for a robust security of lives and properties. That is a good alternative to state police.

Dobodobo04:


I prefer state police In conjunction with private security.

State police will improve security in Nigeria overnight.

I’m glad our lawmakers are working on the modularities on how it should function, and hopefully, they come up with robust guidelines, so it’s not abused by state govs against political opponents.

Kenochi:
Hi

soccerlite:

Fact!

Agriculture isn't buying and selling

Insecurity of farmers, lack of road infrastructure, high cost of inputs, natural disaster


I doubt nigeria farming can produce enough food