Small Scale Farmers in Nasarawa state have signed an agreement with candidates of political parties promising to implement policies towards boosting the Agricultural Sector in the state if elected.
The agreement was reached during a Town Hall Meeting in Lafia between farmers and candidates of various political parties.
National President, Association of Small Scale Agro Producers in Nigeria, Mr Joshua Jonathan said the aim of the meeting was to provide avenues where electorates would know how to hold leaders accountable, especially on promises made in the Agricultural Sector.
The Town Hall Meeting, tagged 2019, ‘Meet The Farmers’ was to create a platform for farmers in Nasarawa state to present their demands to candidates aspiring for various positions and to get their commitment to meet those demands if elected.
Mr Joshua Jonathan said over one point three million small scale farmers in Nasarawa state have been mobilized to support only candidates who are willing to focus on agriculture.
He expressed worry over the increasing rate of hunger and food shortage in the state due to inadequate attention to the agricultural sector.
Presenting the Farmers demands to the candidates, Executive Director, Praxis Centre Mr Jaiye Gaskia expressed happiness with the initiative, stating that time had come for leaders to be held responsible for their promises.
In a presentation, Head Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa state University Keffi Professor James Jayeoba claimed that Nasarawa state has the potentials to grow all kinds of crops in commercial quantity.
Seven candidates comprising three for governorship, three for state house of assembly and one for senate drawn from APGA, APC, Labour Party and Zenith Labour Party agreed to sign the Farmers Manifesto. (Radio Nigeria)
Electoral Violence: Taraba APC accuses Gov. Ishaku of arming thugs
