By Sodiq Lawal
In one of my recent articles, I wrote about the problems facing agriculture in Nigeria. I said poor infrastructure, government policies and many others are factors responsible for agricultural problems in Nigeria. That being said, it is important to know the solutions to the problems of agriculture. This is important because viable solutions can ensure a new level of the agricultural sector in the country. Here are some solutions to problems of agricultural marketing in Nigeria.
Educating people
Among the first ways to change the situation is training and raising the level of education. Skilled and educated workers can sustain the durability of mechanised farm tools. Modern agricultural education programmes for farmers are needed tool to change the current situation. This is one excellent solution to the problems of agriculture in Nigeria. Others include:
Mechanisation
This is another way of providing educated farmers with modern farm machines and equipment. Such machines will help make work easier for the farmer and thus, farm produce will eventually improve.
Upgrade supervision
The Agricultural Research Council supervises, coordinates and implements agricultural development. Therefore, the council will serve a great deal in solving some of the agricultural problems facing the country.
New government programmes
The government should introduce new government programmes to incentivise able-bodied youths to be involved in farming.
Pesticides and fertilisers
There should be local manufacturers of pesticides and fertilisers. This will subsequently improve farm input, and the prices will be affordable for farmers, who can easily access them.
Loans
There should be a developed system of available loans at reasonable interest rates for all farmers in the country. Most farmers need loans to keep their farming business growing and be able to solve urgent issues on their farms.
Less importation
The government should take appropriate measures to curb importation of food products. In most cases, Nigerian agricultural products are organic because most farmers do not seem to use chemicals to boost the harvest. In our modern world, where many countries need more healthy food, it can become an excellent factor in increasing the export of agricultural products.
Reconstruction of irrigation system
The irrigation system should be reconstructed to solve the problem of unreliable rainfall. This will help in the continuous growth of farm foods and the supply will not go down.
Solar and wind power system
One more solution is to develop the usage of solar or wind power systems. Solar can help reduce dependence on oil and gas hence, becoming economical for all farmers.
Stronger leadership
The agricultural sector requires strong leadership. Honest, patriotic and caring leadership is one of the main factors required for solving other problems in agriculture.
