The Oyo State Government on Wednesday warned farmers in the state against transacting business with unauthorised persons or organisations in the guise of registration for certain initiatives.
Mr Oyewole Oyewunmi, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development, gave the warning during a visit to farmlands of farmers.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that Oyewunmi had visited beneficiaries of the on-going Oyo State Agricultural Initiative (OYSAI) and Savannah Rice Seeds Outgrowership Programme.
Those he visited were beneficiaries in Oyo West, Ogo – Oluwa , Afijio, Atiba and Iseyin Local Government Areas of the state.
NAN reports that there were speculations that some people had been extorting the farmers in the pretence of registering them for various agricultural programmes.
Oyewunmi said fraudsters had been taking advantage of the on – going Federal Government and Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor Borrower’s Programme(ABP) to defraud farmers.
“It has come to the notice of the ministry that unscrupulous people are using the programme to extort money from the farmers under the guise of registration.
“It is in this regard that farmers are being warned to be wary of fraudulent people or organisations.
“The ministry has not appointed any organisation or individuals to register farmers on its behalf.
“ You are enjoined contact the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development for detailed information about the programme,” he said.
He said the state government had reiterated its efforts to improve the economy of the state and make farm operations easier.
This, he said, was by empowering farmers in the state through the provision of farm land and other necessary farm inputs.
The commissioner said the present administration was determined to uplift potential farmers in the state by providing them extension services, access to quality seeds and modern farming implements.
“With these, the state would experience rapid growth in rice and cassava production,’’ he said.
He emphasised the need to identify productive farmers in farming associations and form organised group to enhance timely delivery of farm inputs.
Oyewunmi added that government expected farmers to work harmoniously with the extension agents in their localities to enhance improved output.
Prof. Adetokunbo Adekunle, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, appealed to the farmers to engage in extensive farming and execution of planting operations at the appropriate time.
He said that such efforts would enable them achieve the objectives of the programme.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Dominic Njoku, the Chairman, Rice Growers Association, Oyo State Chapter, sought government’s support as well as the timely delivery of seeds to enhance improved output.(NAN)