President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, yesterday called for stronger support for agricultural colleges and institutions as part of efforts to address food insecurity and unlock the vast potential within Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

The call came amid fresh concerns by the Kaduna State chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), which warned that growing insecurity and rising fertiliser costs are threatening food production across the state, with many farmers reportedly unable to access their farmlands due to attacks by bandits and kidnappers.

Akpabio made the call at the maiden National Legislative Summit and Expo on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions held at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Moniya, Ibadan.

Represented by the Deputy Senate Majority Leader, Oyetola Ashiru, the Senate President identified collaboration, innovation and strong political will as critical factors needed to overcome the challenges confronting agriculture in the country.

He stressed the need for strategic partnerships among key stakeholders in the agricultural sector, noting that Nigeria must embrace innovation and modern agricultural practices comparable to what obtains in developed nations.

According to him, the National Assembly and the executive arm of government remain committed to policies and programmes that can strengthen agricultural colleges and institutions towards achieving sustainable food security.

Akpabio also challenged Nigerian youths to take advantage of opportunities within the agricultural value chain for wealth creation and economic empowerment.

He noted that agriculture remained one of the most viable sectors capable of addressing unemployment and driving economic growth if properly harnessed.

Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, Sharafadeen Alli, described the summit as timely, considering growing concerns over food insecurity and the need for skilled manpower in the sector.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Chairman of AFAN, Nuhu Aminu, expressed concern over worsening insecurity in farming communities, saying many farmers in several local government areas were finding it difficult to access their farmlands.

Aminu identified parts of Giwa, Kauru, Kubau, Kudan, Kajuru, Sanga and Kachia as areas facing serious security challenges affecting farming activities.

According to him, many rural communities now live in fear as criminals continue to attack villages and farmlands, forcing some farmers to abandon cultivation.

“Insecurity is seriously affecting farming activities. Some farmers cannot even go to their farms because of attacks and kidnappings in their communities,” he said.

Aminu added that the situation had reduced farmers’ confidence and could negatively affect food supply if urgent measures were not taken to improve security in farming communities.

He also described the rising cost of fertiliser as another major challenge confronting farmers ahead of the planting season.

The AFAN chairman said many smallholder farmers could no longer afford chemical fertiliser due to high prices, adding that the association was encouraging the use of organic fertiliser as an alternative.

According to him, while organic fertiliser is relatively cheaper, many farmers still struggle to purchase sufficient quantities needed for cultivation.

He called on governments at all levels to subsidise fertiliser and ensure the timely distribution of farm inputs to farmers before the farming season peaks.

Aminu further urged the government to pay greater attention to agriculture by providing support and incentives for farmers, stressing that agriculture remains one of the major sectors sustaining the country’s economy.