Farmers’ Associations Praise Tinubu’s Initiative, Expect Boost in Harvest and Enhanced Food Security
The National Defence Headquarters has announced the deployment of troops to farms in the North-West and North-Central regions of Nigeria, a move that has been met with praise from farmers’ associations. The increased security aims to protect farmers from bandits, terrorists, and other criminal elements, ensuring a safer environment for agriculture and potentially boosting the nation’s harvest.
The Defence Headquarters stated that the deployment began with the onset of the rainy season and has been crucial for safeguarding farmers and their produce. The move is designed to facilitate a smoother planting season, ultimately contributing to a bountiful harvest.
According to Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, the deployment has enabled many farmers to access their farms without hindrance. He highlighted that the increased security is a response to the rising threats faced by farmers, including attacks, theft, and extortion by bandits.
The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has expressed its support for the deployment, recognizing the positive impact it has had on the security situation around farms. Kabir Ibrahim, Chairman of AFAN, commended the efforts of the government, noting significant improvements in security. However, Ibrahim urged the government to continue its efforts to completely eradicate insecurity to achieve long-term food security. He emphasized the need for ongoing support to ensure that farmers can work without fear and achieve optimal yields.
Despite the overall positive reception, there have been reports of varying levels of troop deployment across different states. For instance, the Benue State Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Matthew Abo, mentioned that there had been no recent deployment of military personnel to protect farmers in the state. He clarified that although discussions had been held earlier about increasing security, there had been no recent deployments in the past two weeks.
Similarly, Kano State officials reported that their region has not been significantly affected by banditry. An anonymous official noted that Kano does not experience the same level of banditry as other states in the North-West due to its geographical features, which lack dense forests commonly used by bandits for hiding.
In Katsina State, Maiwada Danmallam, Media Director for Governor Dikko Umar Radda, confirmed that while soldiers have been deployed to address terrorism and security challenges in specific areas like Kankara Local Government Area, there has been no specific deployment aimed at protecting farms.
The security concerns faced by farmers are underscored by the broader context of Nigeria’s food crisis. The country is grappling with its highest food inflation rate, recorded at 40.87 percent in June, which has intensified the call for urgent action to combat hunger. In this challenging environment, the deployment of troops to protect agricultural activities is seen as a critical step in stabilizing food production.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has also emphasized the importance of increasing security measures to restore confidence among farmers. He reported that the police have initiated farm patrols in the North-East to bolster farmers’ confidence and encourage their return to agriculture.
The deployment of troops and other security measures are expected to create a safer environment for farmers, which is essential for maintaining agricultural productivity and addressing the food insecurity crisis. The government and military’s efforts are aimed at ensuring that farmers can work without fear and contribute effectively to the country’s food supply.
As the situation continues to evolve, both farmers and government officials are hopeful that these security interventions will lead to a more stable and productive agricultural sector, ultimately benefiting the entire nation.