Organic food: Farmers seek FG support on markets, chemical use
By Daniel Obaje
Experts in the agriculture sector have urged the Federal Government to prioritise organic farming and reduce reliance on hazardous agrochemicals, which threatens public health and limit Nigeria’s access to international markets.
They made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Karshi, Abuja during a visit to organic farms as part of a field report on sustainable agricultural practices.
Mr Adams Peter, Managing Director of Amadam’s Organic Agricultural Company, said Nigeria’s overdependence on chemical-based farming has become a major barrier to global trade.
“Our food exports are being rejected in many countries because they are not organic and are contaminated by chemicals,”
He explained that most farmers lack proper training on the safe use of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers which leads to misuse and unsafe residue levels in food.
Peter, whose company has been operating since 2001, said his organisation is focused on organic farming because of its multiple benefits to health, environment and the economy.
“Organic agriculture is not only safer for consumers; it also nourishes the soil and protects the ecosystem.
“It creates employment, especially for Nigerians and can improve household income.”
He noted that in spite of growing awareness about food safety, organic food remains largely inaccessible in many urban centres.
“We hardly find organic vegetables or foodstuff in Abuja markets, that is why we are working with our network to set up dedicated organic food markets across the FCT.
“Government support for organic farming is still very low. If we’re serious about improving food quality and boosting exports, we must invest in organic agriculture,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Donald Ikenna, Lead Coordinator of the Alliance for Action on Pesticide in Nigeria, warned about the growing use of highly hazardous chemicals in the country’s food production system.
“More than 40 per cent of the chemicals used by farmers in Nigeria are classified as highly hazardous, this puts both farmers and consumers at serious risk.”
Ikenna said the widespread use of such chemicals has been linked to an increase in cancer, kidney failure and other chronic diseases.
“People are falling ill from what they eat and the economy is also suffering as we lose billions to rejected food exports.”
He stressed the need for a national shift to safer and science-backed alternatives, including biopesticides, organic fertilizers and agroecological practices.
He called on state governments and lawmakers to ensure constituency projects support organic farming initiatives at the grassroots.
“We have the local capacity to produce organic farm inputs in Nigeria. What we need is investment, training and strong political will.
“We must stop pumping money into harmful chemicals and start building systems that promote health, sustainability and long-term food security.”
NAN reports that organic and agroecological farming is gaining momentum globally as a safer, climate-friendly alternative to conventional agricultural practices.(NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
