Union asks FG to take agriculture more seriously

The Agriculture and Allied Employees Union of Nigeria has asked the Federal Government to take the agriculture sector seriously in order to harness the potential of the sector.

The President of the union, Simon Anchaver, who made the call on Wednesday said the inability of the Federal Government to exploit the potential of the sector had raised fears of foreigners making moves to take over the sector.

Anchaver listed many challenges plaguing farmers in Nigeria, citing poor financing and non-payment of hazards allowances to agricultural workers.

He argued that the only way for agriculture to generate desired revenue as obtained in the oil and gas sector was for measures to be introduced to motivate farmers.

He also stressed the need for government to set up a monitoring body to ensure that loans approved for farmers were given to the farmers.

According to him, the International Labour Organisation recognises agriculture as one of the hazardous jobs that should receive allowances from government.

He said that fertilisers should be provided all year round for farmers to do farming every season.arged the Federal Government to take the agriculture sector seriously to harness the potential of the sector.