Group urges govts to secure farming communities, boost agricultural funding
By Ahmed Ahmed
The Pastoral Resolve (PARE), Bauchi, has called on governments at all levels to strengthen security in farming and pastoral communities to address food shortages and boost agricultural production.
The Programme Coordinator, Shu’aibu Aliyu Kobi, made the call in a statement signed by Muktar Garba Kobi, Knowledge and Communication Unit, PARE Bauchi Office, and made available to newsmen at the weekend.
The statement marked the 2026 World Food Day, celebrated under the theme, “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow.”
Kobi said adequate security and increased investment in agriculture were essential to ensuring food sufficiency and creating sustainable livelihoods.
He expressed concern that Nigeria’s budgetary allocations to security and agriculture remained below global standards, limiting farmers’ ability to cultivate crops in a peaceful environment.
According to him, establishing local vigilante groups in communities vulnerable to insecurity and providing subsidised farm inputs would encourage more people, particularly unemployed youths, to embrace agriculture.
He also decried the rising prices of essential farming inputs, including fertilisers, herbicides, pesticides and machinery, urging relevant authorities to intervene to enable farmers to achieve bumper harvests.
PARE commended farmers for their resilience and sacrifices in feeding the nation, stressing the need for increased government support.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to training farmers in modern agricultural technologies, promoting marketable crops and linking producers with off-takers to improve profitability.
It also urged governments to employ more agricultural extension workers and encourage youth participation in farming as part of efforts to strengthen food security and reduce unemployment.
