Farmers in Kogi have been urged to strengthen synergy and teamwork to boost food production in the state.

The national president of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Farouq Rabiu-Mudi, gave the charge while inaugurating the Kogi chapter of the association.

It was led by a retired deputy clerk of the National Assembly (Senate), Ahmad Abdullahi.

Mr Rabiu-Mudi said Kogi had the potential to produce food on a massive scale for local consumption and export, given its vast arable land and favourable climate.

He congratulated the newly elected executive members and charged them to ensure inclusiveness by carrying all farmers in the state along, regardless of their location.

The AFAN president expressed confidence in the ability of the new state chairman to lead the chapter to greater heights.

In his remarks, Mr Abdullahi pledged to serve with dedication, honesty, truthfulness and justice.

“As executive members, our loyalty is to the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) led by Dr Farouq Rabiu-Mudi and his National Executive Committee.

“We shall support his executive to implement laudable programmes designed to uplift the wellbeing of Nigerian farmers. Our support is in our own interest and to ensure that all programmes and policies are achieved,” he said.

Mr Abdullahi said the Digital Identity Card initiative for registered farmers would help identify genuine farmers and eliminate sharp practices.

“Through this, real farmers will be known, and it will eliminate the fleecing and duping of genuine farmers of various forms of support and assistance,” he added.

He said the Farmers Data Bank initiative would capture accurate data on farmers nationwide for planning.

The chairman assured members that memoranda of understanding signed with reputable non-governmental organisations would be diligently pursued for their benefit.

According to him, the state AFAN executive would align with the Kogi government and support its agricultural policies and programmes.

“This is because we have observed that the executive governor of Kogi, His Excellency, Alhaji Usman Ododo, is strategically placing the Kogi farmer at the centre of efforts to make the state a hub of agricultural production and food security in Nigeria.

“This drive aligns with the Kogi State AFAN slogan, ‘Kogi Farmers, Feeding the Nation’. We shall partner with the state government to make this a reality,” he said.

(NAN)