Prof. Wilfred Ifeanyi Okonkwo of the Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has summoned the Federal Government for the fresh graduate farm scheme to be introduced from tertiary institutions, so that agriculture will be practised during their mandatory national youth service year.
He added that “In line with the government policy of economic diversification, production can be aided and agriculture can be appraised by establishing farms in the geo-political zones of the country.
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To this end, it is the government’s responsibility to provide the needed equipment for farm operations and guaranteeing of the required credit facilities for the initial take off. Local manufacturers of farm implements and machinery should be encouraged, while maintenance engineers and technicians trained for their maintenance.”
He further stated that funds budgeted for the procurement of farm equipment and machinery should be properly utilised. Government agricultural policy reforms should be directed towards improving the sector and farmers’ welfare to ensure that such policy are implemented.
