The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Sokoto State, Alhaji Jamilu Sanusi, says the state has the potential to generate N2 billion monthly through commodity levies.
Sanusi disclosed this on Thursday, when he led the union officials on a courtesy visit to Gov. Ahmad Aliyu at the Government House in Sokoto.
He said the state had potentialities in the agriculture sector waiting to be harnessed through the commodity board to enhance government’s internally generated revenue.
“Levies on hundreds of onion bags, garlic, grains and other products cultivated in the state and transported to other parts of the country will attract huge revenue to the state government,” he said.
The AFAN chairman, therefore, advised the State Government to reactivate the commodity board, in order to access Central Bank of Nigeria’s stabilisation funds and other supporting windows.
According to him, this will enhance food and agricultural production, commercial activities and create jobs for the unemployed in the state.
Sanusi further urged the State Government to establish soil laboratories for farmers to have good knowledge of their farms’ soil conditions, nutrient needs and other inputs for maximum harvest.
He appealed to the governor to organise more training on best agricultural practices in order to increase the quality of yields in the state.
He said that with the Federal Government’s removal of petroleum subsidy, farmers would face challenges, such as hikes in transport fares and fuel for water pumping machines on farms.
He, therefore, urged government at all levels to extend palliatives to farmers through the supply of solar-powered water pumping machines and provision of organic inputs that are cheaper than chemical inputs, among others.
Responding, the governor promised to engage experts to look into AFAN’s recommendations, especially establishing a soil laboratory and revival of the commodity board.
Meanwhile, the executive members of Sokoto State APC has lauded the governor over the restoration of township water supply and electricity in state-owned tertiary institutions, amongst other programmes.
The party chieftains, led by the state Chairman, Alhaji Sadiq Achida, made the commendation during a courtesy call on the governor.
In a speech, Achida expressed joy that the governor’s actions had started yielding positive impact on the people. (NAN)
