The Tomatoes And Orchard Producers Association of Nigeria (TOPAN) has reiterated its stance to partner with the private sector to boost the sector’s productivity.

TOPAN National President, Bola Oyeleke, disclosed this on Thursday in Lagos.

Mr Oyeleke noted that due to the effects of climate change, cultivation of the crop has become burdensome without irrigation systems.

He stressed the need to partner with the private sector to fund small-scale tomato farmers’ acquisition of irrigation systems.

Mr Oyeleke said, “We have definitely faced challenges in cultivating due to the dry season. So now, we are doing all possible to farm our produce because of the climate change effects. We have put plans in place to ensure that we provide irrigation for our farmer members. So the association is collaborating with some private organisations to provide irrigated farming in the tomato sector.

“We are starting with Oyo and Ogun states to ensure farmers have access to irrigation systems at this time. We are working with the private partnership to grow the productivity of the tomato sector.

“We are also seeking partnerships for irrigation systems to make sure that we increase the efficiency and productivity of the small-scale farmer.”

He added that the association was working with the government to ensure provision of irrigated systems for farmers.

Mr Oyeleke, however, noted that farmers cannot rely on the government alone.

“We are collaborating with the government, and indeed they are doing the best, especially in the northern part of the country. They are providing agriculture inputs and fertilisers for us.

“They are also making sure that the dams in those areas are connected to the farming communities for easy irrigation. However, the government cannot do everything. So, we have to step up to make sure that where the government stops, we can move forward and ensure that food security does not suffer.

“That is why we are keen on engaging the private sector to assist local farmers to achieve all-year-round cultivation,” the TOPAN boss said.

He disclosed that the association’s aim was to boost productivity and reduce post-harvest losses.

He stated, “The association wants to make sure that the volume of our production is increased, so we move into industrialisation and processing and reduce post-harvest losses.

“So far, we have been able to empower 500 farmers with irrigation systems and hope to do more this year. We are targeting 1,000 farmers this year.

“We are also working seriously with commercial banks to provide low-interest-rate loans for farmers.”

(NAN)