By Patricia Amogu
The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Value 360 Ventures, an international agribusiness organisation, to improve fertiliser quality and soil fertility for enhanced food security.
AFAN President, Dr Farouk Rabiu-Mudi, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during the signing of the MoU.
Rabiu-Mudi said the partnership aligns with AFAN’s commitment to easing farming systems and improving the livelihoods of farmers across the country, especially those at the grassroots.
“We are very happy to partner with Value360 today. This is the kind of partnership we always pursue; partnerships capable of bringing positive changes to Nigeria’s agriculture,” he said.
According to him, the collaboration will support the transition from inorganic to organic fertilisers, which he noted would help restore soil texture and quality.
He added that the use of organic fertiliser would reduce production costs for farmers, increase yields, and make Nigerian produce more acceptable in global markets.
“Reducing the carbon dioxide emissions from synthetic fertiliser will directly generate carbon credits. This is part of our effort to reduce reliance on synthetic products.
“This move will enrich farmers, build their capacity and put the steering of agriculture back in their hands,” he said.
Rabiu-Mudi said AFAN would ensure that the benefits of the partnership reach farmers at the grassroots and among smallholder farmers, noting that “the suffering is enough” and Nigeria has the potential to produce organic food on a large scale.
Founder of Force Value 360 Ventures, Dr Kazeem Oladimeji said the agreement would attract investment opportunities, enhance farmers’ productivity, and provide improved technology for sustainable agriculture.
He said the organisation was committed to promoting organic farming and replacing synthetic fertilisers with organic alternatives in order to strengthen Nigeria’s food systems.
“This partnership will enhance farmers’ productivity and improve the food system. We are bringing organic fertiliser and technology to replace what is currently in use.
“We also want to enhance the visibility and capacity of farmers, especially rural farmers,” he said.
Oladimeji said the partnership would prioritise training for youth and women across local government areas, noting that Nigeria’s size and population make food security a national priority.
He added that international organisations were prepared to support the initiative, making the MoU strategic for achieving long-term food security. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
