The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has called on governments at all levels to employ agriculture graduates and train them as extension officers to educate rural farmers on the proper use of modern farming technologies.
Mr. Tunde Arosanyin, Leader of AFAN Stakeholders and Chairman of the Association, appealed on Thursday in Ilorin during an interview.
Arosanyin highlighted the widening gap between modern farming practices and their adoption by rural farmers, stressing the urgent need for trained personnel to bridge the divide.
“There is a serious disconnect between available agricultural technologies and their utilisation at the grassroots. Extension officers are needed to interpret and communicate these tools effectively to rural farmers,” he said.
He lamented the decline of extension services across the country, describing their near-extinction as a major setback to national food production efforts.
“The government at all levels should intervene by employing agriculture graduates and training them as extension officers. These officers will play a critical role in educating farmers on the appropriate use of technologies, the right seeds to plant, best planting periods, harvesting timelines, post-harvest practices, and other modern innovations,” he added.
Arosanyin also advocated for the revival of extension services, noting that many farmers still lack the orientation and support needed to adopt improved agricultural practices.
He urged state and local governments to complement the Federal Government’s efforts by introducing robust subsidy programmes for farmers, including the provision of modern tools and inputs to smallholder farmers.
On recent internal disputes within AFAN, Arosanyin condemned the alleged leadership tussle between Mr. Kabir Ibrahim and Mr. Mudi Farouk, describing the rift as detrimental to the association’s progress.
“No success can be achieved in a divided house. We must put our differences aside in the interest of farmers across the country,” he said.
To resolve the crisis, Arosanyin revealed that a seven-man committee has been set up to mediate between the two factions and ensure compliance with a Court of Appeal judgment mandating an all-inclusive election.
He appealed to key agricultural stakeholders and AFAN leadership to support the peace process and work towards restoring unity within the association.
“I call on stakeholders and the top hierarchy to support the General Assembly of farmers in resolving this impasse and restoring peace to AFAN,” he said.
