Farmers in Abuja have decried the dire insecurity ravaging communities, urging President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that they have easy access to soft loans to boost their productivity.

The farmers who spoke in separate interviews on Monday said the call was vital in guaranteeing food security across the country.

Kenneth Nwachi, a farmer, said that improved provision of agriculture loans and modern equipment would enhance the productivity of agricultural produce.

Mr Nwachi also called for increased security for farmers, saying this would boost their confidence and dedication to their trade.

“Most farmers are afraid of going to their farms due to the current insecurity in the country,” he said, lamenting that farmlands were being destroyed by floods and other factors. 

“These challenges have led to an increase in the price of food in the market and this has negative consequences for farmers’ income,” Mr Nwachi said.

Similarly, Jerry Okolia, a farmer, said the supply of agricultural equipment such as machines and tractors is one of the ways to boost agriculture in the country.

While identifying the lack of farm inputs such as pesticides and fertilisers as major challenges encountered by farmers in the country, he urged the federal government to support farmers with more inputs.

Also, Michael Igoche advocated more incentives for farmers as a measure towards attracting more young people to farming.

Mr Igoche also called for more empowerment and skill acquisition for farmers, saying that it would help improve their knowledge on crop cultivation and maintenance.

“This will serve as a critical tool in enlightening farmers towards producing improved quality crops for local consumption and export,” he said.

(NAN)