Exclusive: Agriculture Offers Many Opportunities to Young People in Our Society – Agbanimu
It was a revealing and insightful interactive session with Mr. Agbanimu Rufus, the Ondo State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, who shed light on the state of agriculture in Ondo State and Nigeria as a whole.
In this exclusive interview with The Exponent Magazine News, Agbanimu spoke on the vast opportunities available to young people in the agricultural sector, the challenges confronting the industry, government interventions, and the future of agriculture in Nigeria.
Below are excerpts from the interview.
Interview with Mr. Agbanimu Rufus
State Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Ondo State
Interviewer: Thank you very much, sir. We are very happy to meet you here. I believe that agriculture in Nigeria is growing in another dimension. So where are we in terms of the agricultural sector in Ondo State and Nigeria as a whole?
Mr. Agbanimu Rufus: My name is Agbanimu Rufus, the Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Ondo State. Agriculture is not what it used to be some years back compared to what we have under the present government. President Bola Tinubu is doing a marvellous job for agricultural development through his Renewed Hope Agenda. Through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, a lot is being done to improve food production across different areas.
Interviewer: Let’s talk about the major challenges facing agriculture in Ondo State.
Mr. Agbanimu Rufus: One of the biggest challenges is insecurity. Herdsmen allow their animals to destroy crops on farms across the state. The rate of kidnapping is also very high, making it difficult for farmers to go to their farms. Farmers are either attacked or have their crops destroyed by grazing animals. These are the major challenges we are facing.
Interviewer: How do you think the government can address this insecurity?
Mr. Agbanimu Rufus: Government is trying by strengthening security through security agencies and by adopting technology such as drones and other modern equipment used in advanced countries to track criminals. Community-based security should also be encouraged, with security outposts in every community. In addition, there should be peaceful conflict resolution between herders and farmers. Ranches should be established so livestock are kept in designated areas instead of roaming into farms.
Interviewer: How can smallholder farmers improve productivity and make profit?
Mr. Agbanimu Rufus: They should take advantage of federal and state agricultural programmes and seek the services of extension workers, who can teach them modern farming methods and climate-smart agriculture.
Interviewer: You mentioned technology. How accessible is it to smallholder farmers?
Mr. Agbanimu Rufus: The Federal Ministry of Agriculture has a mechanisation department where farmers can form cooperatives to access subsidised tractors and other equipment. Farmers are also encouraged to adopt improved seeds developed by research institutes. We also provide irrigation pumps so they can farm throughout the year.
Interviewer: Are farmers aware of these opportunities?
Mr. Agbanimu Rufus: Yes. We maintain registers and regularly distribute these inputs under the Renewed Hope Agenda. We provide them periodically to improve production and livelihoods.
Interviewer: Is this done quarterly or yearly?
Mr. Agbanimu Rufus: It is done periodically, depending on the programme.
Interviewer: How many farmers do you engage?
Mr. Agbanimu Rufus: We engage all farmers who make themselves available. There are different commodity associations, and we encourage farmers to belong to them. We do not discriminate.
Interviewer: How can farmers adapt to climate change?
Mr. Agbanimu Rufus: They should practise climate-smart agriculture through irrigation during the dry season, mulching, and planting crops at the appropriate time.
Interviewer: Are you educating farmers on this?
Mr. Agbanimu Rufus: Yes. Our extension officers regularly educate farmers on climate-smart farming.
Interviewer: How are government interventions impacting agriculture?
Mr. Agbanimu Rufus: There are many interventions. Government provides fertilisers, agrochemicals and other farm inputs. There are also programmes that provide grants and soft loans through organised farmer groups. Government is also introducing programmes to purchase and store farmers’ produce to reduce waste.
Interviewer: What opportunities exist for young people in agriculture?
Mr. Agbanimu Rufus: Agriculture offers many opportunities. Young people can engage in crop production, livestock farming, ranching, feed production, agro-processing, seed production, fertiliser production, farm equipment supply, tractor hiring services, extension services, agricultural training, food processing and packaging.
Interviewer: Many of these opportunities require skills and finance. How can farmers access funding?
Mr. Agbanimu Rufus: Farmers should form strong cooperative societies. Cooperatives can approach the Bank of Agriculture and other institutions to access loans and financial support.
Interviewer: Which area of the agricultural value chain is most investor-friendly?
Mr. Agbanimu Rufus: It depends on the investor’s passion and goals. Every area has potential if properly managed. Personally, I would advise crop production because it requires less capital and allows investors to start small and expand gradually.
Interviewer: How can farmers reduce post-harvest losses?
Mr. Agbanimu Rufus: Farmers should learn proper preservation techniques. For example, dried maize should be properly stored in airtight containers. They can also work with the Bank of Agriculture for guidance on storage and preservation. Government is also expanding warehouse facilities to reduce post-harvest losses.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, what is your vision for agriculture in Nigeria?
Mr. Agbanimu Rufus: Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, agriculture has a bright future. Government is giving the sector serious attention, making agriculture more profitable than before.
Interviewer: Some people believe insecurity is aimed at forcing indigenous farmers off their land. What is your view?
Mr. Agbanimu Rufus: I don’t believe that. Kidnapping affects everyone—farmers, politicians, pastors and ordinary citizens. It is a criminal enterprise driven by selfish interests rather than an attempt to take over farmland.
Interviewer: Is there any danger associated with fertiliser use?
Mr. Agbanimu Rufus: When fertiliser is applied correctly, there is little or no danger. Problems only arise when it is used improperly.
Interviewer: Finally, is there anything you would like to add?
Mr. Agbanimu Rufus: You covered many important areas, and I appreciate your knowledge and interest in agriculture. Thank you very much.
