From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
A farmers’ group, Green Revolution Farmers Feed the Nation Foundation (GRFFNF) has said it intends to cultivate 150,000 hectares of farmland in each of the six geopolitical zones across the country through its Green Rewards Farm Settlement initiative.
The Director General of the group, Jonathan Okwudiri, who disclosed this at a press briefing, in Abuja, said the initiative is aimed at curbing unemployment, violence, drug abuse and criminality among the youths.
Consequently, Okwudiri solicited the support of the government, noting that the project aligns with the plans of the present administration to boost agricultural production.
He said “the initiative aligns with the Nigeria government’s vision to boost agricultural production, reduce poverty and create employment opportunities.”
Okwudiri, who is also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of Royal Ambassadors Family Enlightenment Foundation (RAFEF), explained that his group is partnering with three Nigerian banks to open account for members for agricultural farming project fund.
He listed challenges confronting farmers in the country to include ” limited access to financial resources, inadequate infrastructure and lack of technical expertise.”
According to him, a customised prepaid ATM card has been “designed to provide farmers with easy access to financial resources, enabling them to enhance their agricultural productivity and contribute to the nation’s food security.”
“The GRFFNF’s commitment to supporting farmers is evident in this innovative solution, and it is expected that this initiative will have a positive impact on the lives of farmers and the nation at large,” Okwudiri stated.