Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto has assured farmers in the state of his administration’s readiness to collaborate with their association, All Farmers Association of Nigeria in the development of the Agricultural sector in the state.
The governor stated this while addressing executive members of the association who paid him a courtesy visit in his office on Thursday.
He described Agriculture as one of his nine-point agenda during his campaign and he said the association is very crucial in his plan to achieve the set target.
The governor solicited the full cooperation and support of the association while assuring them that his administration will consult every relevant association in the state in his bid to reposition the agricultural sector in Sokoto State.
Earlier in his remark, the state chairman of the Association Alhaji Jamilu Sanusi, said the state has the capability to generate N2 billion in revenue through the collection of commodity levies monthly.
He said the state has potential in the agricultural sector that when tapped properly through the viable activity of commodity board would generate more revenue to government coffers.
”Levies on hundreds of onion bags, garlic, grains and other products being cultivated in the state and transported to various parts of the country will attract huge revenue to state government”, Sanusi said.
The AFAN Chairman advised the Sokoto State government to reactivate the commodity board and make it functional in order to access Central Bank of Nigeria stabilisation funds and other supporting windows.
According to him, these would enhance food and agricultural allied production, commercial activities, and job opportunities for citizens across the state.
Sanusi also urged the state government to establish soil laboratories in the state for farmers to have good knowledge of their farms’ soil conditions, nutrient needs, and other inputs for maximum harvest.
