Stakeholders in Bauchi State have described the Federal Government’s (FG) policy on Guaranteed Minimum Price (GMP) as one of the best approaches to stabilise farmers income and boost food security.
Reports reveals that the GMP policy seeks to ensure that farmers receive a fair and consistent price for their commodities regardless of market fluctuations.
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It was also aimed at protecting smallholder farmers from exploitation by the middlemen as well as encouraging increased agricultural production.
Some of the stakeholders who spoke to NAN on Monday in Bauchi, said the policy would equally boost the nation’s food security.
Alhaji Salisu Liman-katagum of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) said the policy would serve as a safety net for farmers, especially when prices crash.
He, however, called for proper monitoring and timely payment to ensure farmers trust in the policy.
Similarly, Mrs Rahila Benjamin, another farmer, said that the initiative aligned with the Federal Government’s commitment to revitalising agriculture and reducing poverty.
She called for the inclusion of cooperative societies and farmer-based organisations in the implementation framework for transparency and fairness.
Dr Ibrahim Yusuf, an Economist with the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), said that the policy could attract more youths into farming, if effectively managed.
He urged the government to ensure adequate funding and storage facilities to prevent wastage and market distortion.
He said government should also engage state ministries of agriculture, research institutions, and farmer associations in the policy rollout to guarantee sustainability and desired impact on food production.
