Zenith Energy Enzymes Ltd, an eco-conscious organisation has encouraged farmers in Kwara State with organic fertilisers, feeds and hybrid seeds that can be planted for multiple gains.
The exercise was captured under the launch of ”Home Farming For All” kits for residents of Ekiti/Isin/Irepodun/Oke-Ero constituency.
The organisers said the gesture would check the scarcity and food shortages caused by the constant herdsmen attacks on local farmers.
At the weekend event in Omu-Aran, the Managing Director, Zenith Energy Enzymes Ltd, Mrs. Edith Anekwe Iroegbu, said the vision was to ensure food security and food sufficiency in Kwara and Nigeria.
According to Iroegbu, the programme, first of its kind in the country, is in tandem with the federal government’s idea of the present administration’s state of emergency on food security.
She noted that the ravaging high cost of food was one of the effects of herdsmen attacks on farmers: “home farming would allay the fears arising from the attacks on farmers by herdsmen leading to former deserting their farms.
“At the inception of this administration, President Bola Tinubu said he would declare state of emergency on food security and the First Lady, Mrs. Remi Tinubu, also launched a home farming programme now enjoying enviable patronage from Nigerians.
“So, in pursuance of this, we decided to package a kit to enhance the programme of the present administration by helping every household to grow what they eat,” she stated, adding that: “The kit contains organic fertilisers, seeds and feeds that can be planted within the comfort of your homes inside sacks, buckets or any and other container.”
She reasoned that:”when everyone starts farming, the price of food drops automatically.”
Iroegbu hinted that 1,000 extension officers would be employed by the organisation to train people on how to engage in successful home farming.
Hon. Raheem Olawuyi, Member, Federal House of Representatives from Ekiti/Isin/Irepodun/Oke-Ero, who facilitated the programme said the initiative was to address the pressing issue of high food costs which could only be achieved by promoting self-sufficiency in food production in the constituency.
“Today, we gather to embark on a journey that will not only alleviate the burden of food expenses but also empower our community members to take control of their food security.
“Through this programme, we envision a future where every household can produce its own food, ensuring sustainability and resilience against economic challenges,”Hon. Olawuyi said.
According to him: “by fostering home farming, we are contributing to the broader vision of a prosperous and self-sufficient Nigeria.”
