GES and plight of agro-allied dealers

The federal government and dealers have a pact in funding agro-allied products to make them affordable to farmers under the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GES), launched in 2012.  The scheme assists farmers with quick access to farm inputs at reduced prices of about 50 percent. Nigeria’s quest for food security may remain a mirage in […]

The federal government and dealers have a pact in funding agro-allied products to make them affordable to farmers under the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GES), launched in 2012. 

The scheme assists farmers with quick access to farm inputs at reduced prices of about 50 percent. Nigeria’s quest for food security may remain a mirage in 2017 if the federal government fails to settle agro-allied dealers’ debts. 

 The Buhari administration has shown commitment to the agricultural sector, and it can only be realized if this scheme is funded. 

 The scheme recorded successes in 2013/2014 dry/wet season farming activities, leading to reduced prices of agro-products in 2015. 

GES’ reports show that the food price inflation that started in 2016 when the scheme was not operational will start to drop by April 2017. By maintaining this effort and reaching out to 3, 028, 434 rice farmers in the 2017 GES wet season, Nigeria will be able to achieve self-sufficiency in the rice value.

 This scheme remains the pivot to propel Nigeria’s food security as well as sustain the country’s economy. About 700, 000 farmers benefit from the scheme with over 500, 000 getting inputs across the states. Now that the rainy season has commenced, we urgently need these agro-allied products otherwise the multiplier effects will be negative.

 It is also important for those who supplied organic and inorganic fertilizers, agro-chemicals, improved seeds and other products directly to farmers to be paid. 

Prof.  Kennedy Eze, Abuja