Jatropha farmers abandoned by government

Jatropha farmers in Katsina say they have been neglected despite being pushed into the business by government ahead of the proposed establishment of a Bio-fuel refinery in Kogi state. The chairman of Jatropha Farmers International Merchant And Dealers Association, Sen Ahmed Sani Stores at a press conference said farmers were encourage to plant Jatropha for […]

Jatropha farmers in Katsina say they have been neglected despite being pushed into the business by government ahead of the proposed establishment of a Bio-fuel refinery in Kogi state.

The chairman of Jatropha Farmers International Merchant And Dealers Association, Sen Ahmed Sani Stores at a press conference said farmers were encourage to plant Jatropha for the production of seed that will be processed by the refinery.

He said, having invested heavily in its farming, government has abandoned the initiative with no support or incentives to those farmers.

“The movement for the production of bio fuel as an alternative source of power was initiated during Jonathan administration but left along the line, Jatropha is a plant were we get glycerol for power and other pharmaceutical products,” he said

He said, it was only proper for President Buhari to take a look at the idea to build on it for the farmers to benefit from the project adding that with bio fuel, our society will be better off.

“Jatropha farmers are ready and willing to partner with the government inorder to provide alternative source of energy as is done in countries such as South Africa, India and Brazil,” he added