As farmers across the country commence this year’s farming activities, government at all levels has been urged to create a more conducive atmosphere that will enable farmers to cultivate more and increase food production nationwide.
Stakeholders believe that deliberate policies and timely interventions are necessary to boost agricultural productivity and guarantee food security.
The Jakadan Kurama, Ambassador Haruna Dangana stated that the most effective way to improve the economic well-being of the masses especially rural dwellers, is for government to make farm inputs more accessible and affordable to farmers.
He emphasized that agriculture remains the backbone of rural economic and empowering farmers directly translates to poverty reduction and improved livelihoods.
Speaking on the agricultural potential of his domain, Ambassador Dangana described Lere Local Government Area as a predominantly agrarian community that produces a wide variety of farm produce, including grains, tubers, and vegetables.
He noted that, it is lamentable that due to the high cost of farm inputs many farmers are struggling to fully engage in farming activities this season as they did in previous years which majority of the farmers cannot afford essential inputs such as fertilizer, improved seeds, insecticides, herbicides, and farm machinery.
According to him without government assistance, the dream of achieving bumper harvests and increasing productivity will remain difficult to realize.
The Jakadan Kurama therefore called on government to urgently intervene by subsidizing farm inputs, providing soft loans and extending extension services to farmers. He stressed that such support will encourage more people to participate actively in agriculture during this rainy season and beyond.
Speaking on other factors that can improve the quality of life for people living in rural areas, Ambassador Haruna Dangana acknowledged that government is making genuine efforts to secure lives and property. However, he added that more still needs to be done because security remains paramount to everything in life.
He argued that no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. Farmers must be able to access their farms without threat and rural communities must feel safe to invest their time and resources in productive ventures. He urged security agencies to intensify patrols and collaborate with local communities to sustain peace.
Ambassador Haruna Dangana commended the Bugwan Kurmi Kudaru, Mr. Iliya Sauri; the Emir of Lere, Engineer Suleiman Umar; the Emir of Saminaka, Alhaji Musa Mohammed Sani and the Chief of Firiga, Mr. Joseph Zamuna for their tireless efforts in uniting their people, sustaining peaceful coexistence and encouraging residents to do the right thing in their respective domains.
He noted that the commitment of these traditional rulers has helped Lere Local Government Area to stand out as a model of unity and harmony in Kaduna State. He said their traditional institutes continues to inspire confidence and cooperation among diverse communities.
The Jakadan Kurama further solicited continued peace and harmony among residents. He urged people to respect good neighbourliness, tolerate one another and support the emirs and traditional leaders in their quest to make citizens more productive and contribute meaningfully to national building.
Ambassador Haruna Dangana concluded with an optimistic prediction that, with divine intervention and modest government support, farmers will witness a bumper harvest at the end of this year’s farming season. He urged everyone to continue seeking God’s guidance and blessings to make life easier for all citizens.