In a current wave of subsidy withdrawals, the federal government is set to withdraw subsidy being granted farmers on fertiliser.
To that end, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Audu Ogbeh, has announced modalities for the withdrawal.
This is coming in the heat of the recent fuel subsidy withdrawal which has seen petrol price rise from N86.50 to N145.
The Nigeria Labour Congress [NLC] and its counterparts have embarked on nationwide strike to pressure the government to revert to the old fuel price.
The Minister explained on Thursday at a forum in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital that the government’s decision would ensure the availability of fertiliser to farmers.
He said there were plans to ensure that farmers access loans at single digit rates to meet the growing demands for agricultural produce.
The Director of USAID Nigeria, Michael Harvey, and Director of IFDC West and North African Division, Robert Groot, suggested the increased lending to farmers.
They also called on the government to ensure that members of the private sector were involved in the distribution of fertiliser.
The Speakers noted that this would provide income for farmers and ensure food security for all.
Besides all of these suggestions, leaders in the West African region are also expected to back all policies that affect fertiliser production and distribution with action.
© Copyright 2015 www.elombah.com. Send eyewitness accounts/reports/articles to publisher@elombah.com; follow us on twitter handle @Elombah; like our Facebook page: “Elombah.com”