Distribute fertilizers through us, monarch tells govt

[MrVan]

BY TONY EDIKE

ENUGU—TRADITIONAL ruler of Adogbalato Kingdom in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Igwe Chris Oti, yesterday, called on government to distribute fertilizers and other farming implements to rural farmers through royal fathers, lamenting the exercise had been hijacked by politicians.

The monarch said the involvement of royal fathers in fertilizer distribution would go a long way in addressing the endemic corruption that characterized the scheme in the country.

Speaking during the formal announcement of the community's 2012 New Yam festival, the royal father regretted that over the years, fertilizers and other farming implements meant for farmers in Enugu and the country at large had always been hijacked by politicians and political office holders.

He noted that such ugly development if not addressed was capable of launching the country into food shortage.

Igwe Oti, who spoke to newsmen alongside his traditional prime minister, Chief Chukwudike Okonze,  stated that proper handling of government farming incentives would not only boost food production in the country but would guarantee food security as well as encourage more peole to go into farming.

According to him, "It is against the backdrop of encouraging people including young ones to go into farming that I decided to institute prize and cash award for best farmers especially in yam production in my Adogbalato community every year. When traditional rulers are allowed to handle issues concerning government fertilizers and other implements, it would get to the real farmers at the grass roots."

He observed that the use of political appointees for distribution of farm inputs had done more harm than good to the agricultural sector.

The monarch disclosed  that this year's Adogbalato's new yam festival had been slated for 20th and 21st July just as he enjoined government at all levels to start taking agricultural issues very seriously.

"I am also appealing to governments at all levels to always utilize funds earmarked for agriculture sector prudently and judiciously because this is a very vital sector that sustains the economy of any nation,"  said the Monarch.

Vanguard Nigeria