A Lagos-based guinea-corn farmer, Mrs. Omolara Odunayo, yesterday called for Federal Government’s support to enhance the production of the crop in the country.
Odunayo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that guinea corn farmers needed assistance to secure necessary tools, including funds, farm equipment, seedlings and fertilizers.
She identified inadequate tools and funds as the major challenges facing guinea corn farmers in Nigeria. “Governments should try and spread its assistance across the entire agricultural sector, especially for grains farming. Farmers will do better if they can access loan and secure land because guinea corn is better planted on dry land because of its resistance to drought.
“That is why we get it in some parts of the southern and northern states of the country, such as, Kwara, Oyo, Benue and Taraba. In order to increase the production, we want government to focus on these areas and assist guinea corn farmers there,’’ Odunayo said.
She said that guinea corn contained about the same and sometimes more protein than other grains, saying its availability and consumption would increase the protein intake of Nigerians.
“Guinea corn is rich in protein and including it in diets offers many nutritional benefits. Government should pay attention to the needs of farmers to enhance food production. (NAN)
