Lafia – The Association of Small-Scale Agro Producers in Nigeria (ASSAPIN) have advocated the allocation of 60 per cent of the agricultural sector budget at  the Federal and state levels to smallholder farmers.

This call was contained in a Charter of Demand they presented to politicians in the North Central Zone,Thursday in Lafia, ahead of the April month general elections.

The charter was presented on behalf of the association by Mr Ken Ukaoha, the  President, National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS).

They suggested that special consideration be given to women in agriculture and a review of the Land Use Act.

They also urged the Federal Government to establish an agency to enhance the development of small-scale agriculture.

Such an agency they said, would be able to address “decades of disempowerment, neglect and marginalization of small-scale farmers”.

They argued that small-scale farmers accounted for more than over 90 per cent of the country’s agricultural production.

“Attention should be given to those responsible for putting food directly on the table of Nigerians,’’ they said.

To guarantee food sufficiency and security, the farmers urged politicians to ensure the protection  for small-scale farmers.