Uniqueness of the agric sector
Agriculture is defined as the deliberate effort of man to till the land for crop production, rear animals, process crops, animal products and also marketing activities that are involved in the flow of these products to the final consumers. Major crops of agricultural production includes beans, sesame, cashew nuts, cassava, cocoa beans, groundnuts, gum arabic, […]
Agriculture is defined as the deliberate effort of man to till the land for crop production, rear animals, process crops, animal products and also marketing activities that are involved in the flow of these products to the final consumers.
Major crops of agricultural production includes beans, sesame, cashew nuts, cassava, cocoa beans, groundnuts, gum arabic, kolanut, maize (corn), melon, millet, palm kernels, palm oil, plantains, rice, rubber, sorghum, soybeans, bananas and yams.
The agricultural sector has been the mainstay of the Nigerian economy employing about 70 to 80% of the population until the discovery of oil in Olobiri in the present Bayelsa State in the early 70’s. This discovery diverts Government’s attention resulting in the neglect of the agricultural sector. The undeveloped state of the agric sector in Nigeria as a result of Federal Government negligence has resulted in the importation of almost all food items from other countries by the Federal Government and private individuals causing the gross domestic product to be very low. Consequently, Nigeria has become a dumping ground for other countries to dispose their goods.
The usage of inorganic fertilizers was promoted by Nigerian government in the 1970s. In 1990, 82 million hectares out of Nigeria’s total land area of about 91 million hectares were found to be arable. 42 percent of the cultivable area was farmed. Much of this land was farmed under the bush fallow system, whereby land is left idle for a period of time to allow natural regeneration of soil fertility. 18 million hectares were classified as permanent pasture, but had the potential to support crops. Most of the 20 million hectares covered by forests and woodlands are believed to have agricultural potential.
Agricultural holdings are small and scattered, and farming is carried out with simple tools. Large-scale agriculture is not common.
In the past, Nigeria was famous for the export of groundnut and palm kernel oil. But over the years the rate of export of this produce has reduced. A few years back local Nigerian companies has commenced exporting groundnuts, cashew nuts, sesame seeds, moringa seeds etc. Local company such as Lantbruk Global Integrated Services Limited has paved the way for other firms to continue in elevating Nigeria agricultural system. The country’s agricultural products fall into two main groups: food crops produced for home consumption, and exports. Prior to the Nigerian civil war, the country was self-sufficient in food, but increased steeply after 1973. Bread made from American wheat replaced domestic crops as the cheapest staple food.
Agriculture is unique in the sense that people who are involved in it are not only self-employed but also employers of labor. Agriculture is so lucrative. The good news is that the problem posed by negligence to this sector can be tackle, when everybody irrespective of profession will establish around his house where he can grow vegetables, fruits etc It will save one a lot of expenses than buying them from the market.
The nature of agriculture has been removed by introducing machineries to facilitate farming operations and also make it attractive to youths.
Therefore, I urge all Nigerians to engage in agricultural activities and also patronise our own local produce instead of craving for foreign foods. This will help develop the agricultural sector and encourage those already in the sector to increase their production.
Rukayyah Ahmed Alibe University of Maiduguri