By Adeola Badru
IBADAN-AN expert has reiterated the need for the Federal Government to increase its efforts geared towards the development of the agricultural sector, as it would consequentially lead to an improvement in the nation’s economic situation.

Farmer Oluranti Adeboye, 62, holds harvested cocoa at Sofolu village in Ogun State, southwestern Nigeria, on June 5, 2018.
Agriculture was once the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy and provided jobs for more than 70 percent of the population until the discovery of oil. Niegria President and his government are now trying to revive agriculture to diversify the oil-dependent economy that has been battered by the fall in global crude prices. / AFP PHOTO /

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Onifarm Ltd., Alhaji Tajudeen Olatunji made the call in Ibadan, while speaking with journalists at a media briefing on the need for the government at various levels to dedicate more revenue to the sector, which he insisted contributes up to 24 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP.

According to him, if the sector was repositioned, it would lead to an increase in production of agro-commodities by farmers, employment generation, adding that it would further contribute optimally to the nation’s GDP growth and attract millions of dollars of investor money looking for a home in agricultural sector .

“The enormous challenges bewildering the sector cut across inadequate infrastructure especially in transportation, storage, power, lack of access to credit,” adding that youths lack of interest in farming activities must be converted by investing more in the sector in order to remain sustainable in the global market.

Speaking further, Alh. Olatunji noted that the importance of agriculture in the drive of the nation’s economy could not be over emphasized, hence, greatwill and determination were needed to put the country in a big agricultural production pedestal.

The agro business expert said that Nigeria had not fared well in agriculture because it had not exhibited needed commitment to boosting production in the sector .

“Nigeria is endowed with the capacity to produce a variety of agricultural products if the right resources and platforms are provided for farmers especially in financing.”

“It is very painful that in spite of all our resources we are still at this level in the agricultural sector , while government is coming out to the media to say they are supporting farmers by giving out grants that never gets to them.”

Olatunji stated that a lot of farmers have lost interest, some disappointed and did not believe in all what he called ‘scam’ the government calls grant for agricultural purpose.

He admonished government to make access to these funds easier by reducing the number of intermediaries and processes involved in its assessment, noting that there should be a single agency in charge and concerned with the welfare of farmers.

“Also, there should be a direct cooperation with farmers cooperatives to close the huge gaps and regain the trusts of those interested in farming as people that need these loans don’t really get them,” Olatunji said.

Speaking on the motive behind setting up an online global farmers market known as Onifarm, Alh. Olatunji disclosed that it is a platform where farmers and business owners have access to quality buyers and where buyers as well find their variety of farm produce, animals, tools and equipment with different options to buy.

“Nigeria has a name anywhere in the world, anywhere we go, we are recognised as fraudsters. At Onifarms, we don’t want this to happen to anyone. This is why we put in place a system, where if you as a buyer, you buy a product, you must pay.”

“What we do is that if you pay as a buyer, the money is kept in a bank by Onifarms and until the buyer gets the products, the money will not be released to the farmer, wherever he may be.”

“We try to mediate and make sure that nobody is out with their crops or their money. In a situation whereby, the buyer gets his product but it does not meet his expectations, there are measures in place.”

“First of all, the buyer must specify the quality of the products he wants to buy. However, after specifying the quality and the seller does not meet the demand, the buyer is entitled to a refund and that is the reason for holding the money until the products get to the buyer. Basically, this is the transaction channel,” he disclosed.