joshuaCal Maji Tasks Kogi Gov’t, Farmers To Embrace Organic Farming
A Non-Governmental Organization, the Cal-Maji Foundation, in collaboration with Heinrich Boell Foundation and other key stakeholders in the agriculture sector, has called on the Kogi State Government and other key stakeholders in the agriculture sector to embrace the bold vision of making the state the organic capital of Nigeria, and Africa.
The Project Director, Cal-Maji Foundation, Ms Faith Ayegba who made the call during a press conference in Lokoja on Monday said it had become imperative for the state government to adopt organic agricultural practices with a view to enhancing food security in the state.
The group, while decrying the current agricultural practices in Kogi State, raised concerns over the environmental and health impacts on traditional farming methods which relies on chemical inputs and monocultures, hence degrades the soil, reduce biodiversity and make the food systems vulnerable to climate shocks.
The Foundation stressed the need for the state Government to initiate ways and means to protect the indigenous farming community from the potential risks of Genetically Modified (GM) seeds.
“Recent data shows that food scarcity and malnutrition are on the rise, impacting the livelihood and health of thousands of people. The state’s current agricultural practices, which often rely on chemical inputs and monocultures, are not sustainable in the long run. They degrade the soil, reduce biodiversity, and make our food systems vulnerable to climate shocks”.
“It is vital that we protect our rural farmers from the potential risks of Genetically Modified seeds. While GM seeds may promise higher yields, they often require specific chemical inputs and can reduce crop diversity, making farming systems less resilient”.
“Instead, we should focus on empowering our farmers with sustainable practices that utilize locally adapted seeds and agroecological techniques. This will strengthen our rural communities and long-term food security”.
“To secure the future of our people, it is imperative that we must shift to practices that restore and sustain our land, protect our environment, and ensure that nutritious food is available to all. This can be achieved by investing in organic farming, agroecology, and agroforestry”.
While highlighting some of the benefits offered by organic agriculture and agroecology, such as Sustainable soil health, Biodiversity conservation, Healthier food, and Economic opportunities, the Foundation argued that these benefits transcend the production of food, but about securing a healthier future for the state’s population.
To realize the vision of being the leader in the agriculture sector, the Foundation implored the State government to introduce policies that would encourage and incentivize farmers to adopt organic farming and agroecological practices
It also urged for collaboration with universities and agricultural institutes to train farmers, extension workers and agricultural officers on the benefits and practices of organic agriculture, agroecology and agroforestry.
The group said it was important for the government to establish research centres dedicated to studying and improving organic farming techniques and agroecological practices.
It enjoined the state government to support the creation of local and international markets for organic products which will promote Kogi as a brand for high quality organic produce.
Other solutions proffered are, engaging local communities in the transition to organic agriculture by raising awareness of its benefits by involving them in decision-making process; and also encourage tree planting and the integration of trees into farming systems, to enhance soil health, sequesters carbon, and promote biodiversity.
