Farmers Demand Fair Access to Subsidized Inputs
Farmers in Ebonyi State have called on the state government to ensure transparent and equitable distribution of subsidized farm inputs. The farmers, under the auspices of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ebonyi State chapter, made the demand during a meeting with the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mrs. Nkechi Ogbonna, in Abakaliki.
Concerns Over Past Distribution Irregularities
The farmers expressed dissatisfaction with previous distribution exercises, which they said were marred by favoritism and lack of transparency. According to them, many genuine farmers were sidelined while non-farmers and political cronies benefited from the inputs. The chairman of AFAN in Ebonyi, Chief Chika Nwoba, said, "We are not against the government's efforts to support farmers, but we want the distribution to be transparent and fair. In the past, we saw cases where people who are not farmers collected inputs meant for real farmers."
Government's Assurance of Reform
Responding, Commissioner Ogbonna assured the farmers that the present administration under Governor Francis Nwifuru is committed to revamping the agricultural sector. She stated that the government has put in place mechanisms to ensure that only genuine farmers benefit from the inputs. "We have introduced a biometric registration system for farmers to eliminate ghost farmers and ensure that inputs get to the right people," she said. The commissioner added that the government would soon launch a distribution exercise for improved rice seedlings, fertilizers, and other agro-chemicals.
Impact on Food Security and Livelihoods
The farmers noted that transparent distribution of inputs is critical to boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring food security in the state. Ebonyi is predominantly agrarian, with rice, yam, cassava, and vegetables as major crops. Many farmers rely on subsidized inputs to reduce production costs and increase yields. A farmer, Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, said, "When inputs are not distributed fairly, it affects our output and income. We hope this time the government will do the right thing."
Call for Continuous Monitoring
The farmers also called for the involvement of agricultural extension workers and community leaders in the distribution process to enhance transparency. They urged the government to publish the list of beneficiaries and quantities received. The AFAN chairman emphasized, "We are ready to partner with the government to monitor the distribution and report any irregularities." The commissioner assured that the government would consider the farmers' suggestions and ensure a seamless exercise.
