Agriculture
THE Ecological Organic Agriculture (EOA) Initiative in Nigeria, says Nigeria can be a big hub for organic agriculture in Africa.
Mr AdeOluwa Olugbenga, the EOA Country Coordinator in Nigeria, made this known in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.
“This can only happen if all stakeholders and organisations with national influence in the system play their roles.’’
He said that these roles would go a long way to support the decision of the African Heads of State to incorporate organic agriculture into every facet of life in Africa.
“Organic farming is fast becoming more popular all over the world with high demand of organic produce like ginger rising every year.
“People are getting conscious of their health with organic products contributing daily to human and community health.
“Therefore, it is time for Africa to consider organic farming as an important aspect of agriculture,’’ he said.
Olugbenga said there was a strong link between organic sector and commerce in countries with successful organic agricultural development.
He said that trade was a major force in agricultural development which happens to be a proven fact in organic agriculture.
He said that in North Africa people were tapping into organic farming as Togo had declared that the country would become the first organic country in Africa.
The EOA country coordinator emphasised the need for Nigeria to be the point of organic agriculture in West Africa.
“People are looking for those able to supply organic fertiliser in order to grow and eat wholesome food.’’
He described organic agriculture as knowledge-based and would create millions of jobs for Nigeria’s teeming population and ensure GDP growth.
Olugbenga said that it was a class of its own apart from other farming practices because it does not involve the use of agrochemicals, and it depended largely on internal farm inputs.
“In this sense, there is no need to use synthetic fertilisers, herbicides or pesticides to control pests or kill weeds in this practice.
“As such, foods and produce coming from such a system is very wholesome for the body,’’ Olugbenga said. (NAN)
– Jan. 31, 2020 @ 9:39 GMT |
Tags: Nigeria can be a big hub for organic agriculture in Africa – EOA
