Farmers Hail RSG Over Inputs

Indigenous farmers in Ogoni communities in Rivers State, who major in cassava farming, have expressed pleasure over the assistance given to them by the state government.
Some of the farmers from Khana and Gokana local government areas, who spoke to The Tide said the gesture has enhanced their outputs.
Two cassava farmers who received fertilizers and other inputs explained that the inputs given to them were some of the best things that have happened to them.
Two of the farmers, Mr Banabas Satira and Madam Helen Mpapa, from Gokana and Khana, respectively said, they were also offered financial and expert advise to enable them increase their yield.
According to them, the experts were drawn from the government and other NGOs to teach them how best to manage the assistance given to them.
“I heard that farming is unprofitable but with the aid given to me, I can see that agriculture is a beneficial work”, Satira said”.
Also, Madam Mpapa, explained that it was the first time in her farming activity that she has received such inputs from the government and other stakeholders.
However, while these farmers from Ogoni celebrate the support given to them, their counterparts in Etche local government area reacted differently.
Two other farmers, Mr Clement Amadi and Mrs Peace Ogada, said though they prefer the shifting cultivation method, they were still far from accessing fertilizers.
“If we are able to get fertilizer we will use it, so we are calling on the government to avail us the opportunity of having fertilizer”, Amadi said.
Ogada, said she has not bought or used fertilizer before but if the government provides it she would readily use it.
Another group of farmers in Rivers State, who identified themselves as the Ginger and Spice Association of Nigeria, also called on the government to support them in their farming activities.