The government of Niger State has reiterated its commitment to phase out the use of inorganic fertilizers by farmers in the state.
This according to the government is in line with its readiness to adopt sustainable agricultural practices that will guarantee environmentally friendly use of soil.
The Commissioner for Agriculture Bawa Bosso stated this in Minna on Wednesday during a stakeholder meeting for the introduction of organic fertilizers to farmers in the state.
Represented by Shehu Galadima, the State Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), the commissioner expressed the readiness of farmers to deploy the use of organic fertilizers.
“Globally, they prefer using organic fertilizers instead of inorganic,” he said, adding that “there are a lot of advantages”.
He, however, called for sufficient research for product value and patience for his members to phase out the popular choice of inorganic fertilizers.
“We need to do thorough research because our lands are not the same,” he maintained.
Fatima Kasim of the Special Breed Farmers Association also shared similar sentiments.
“So, my fear is: after having the product, what are the side effects?” she quizzed.
“I hope this thing we are bringing is not going to affect the use of these our local products,” Fatima said.
But a manufacturer of organic fertilizers Valentine Ikechuku allayed fears raised by the farmers. According to him, organic fertilizers will curb the incessant migration of farmers in search of fertile land.
“Organic fertilizers to Niger State will help the farmers. Farmers will stop migrating and have better yields. Organic fertilizer is actually the best way to go at this time,” he said.
“We are trying to move away from inorganic and the mineral fertilizers. They have been destroying our soils in this country and that is why we are trying to promote the inorganic fertilizers which we are producing at this time.”
