Source: Wikipedia, EnterpriseBoom
It is widely admitted that Nigeria is currently passing through an economic-challenging moment ever in her history.
The country is battling with outburst economic recession — at a coincident time when Naira fast depreciates against other currencies most especially dollar coupled with the
nosediving price of Nigeria’s major dependence source of earning (crude oil), workers’ salaries payments delay for months and high inflation. All these are what constituted the breeze of economy discomfort blowing across nooks
and crannies of the nation — majorly felt by those who failed to utilize their potential and take swift action. The impact of the intense economic hardship is widely felt — of which Nigeria has never experienced before.
The country is battling with outburst economic recession — at a coincident time when Naira fast depreciates against other currencies most especially dollar coupled with the
nosediving price of Nigeria’s major dependence source of earning (crude oil), workers’ salaries payments delay for months and high inflation. All these are what constituted the breeze of economy discomfort blowing across nooks
and crannies of the nation — majorly felt by those who failed to utilize their potential and take swift action. The impact of the intense economic hardship is widely felt — of which Nigeria has never experienced before.
However, there is great concern that if the recession continue; it could lead into depression — which is not a good situation to witness.
So surprising that many people are still blindfolded to the sadden extent that even some graduates still see agriculture as a profession for the illiterates and kept nursing intoxicated perception that those who actively involve themselves in agriculture at this age are poor people but, they fail to realise that there is job, rest of mind, prestige and financial security in Agriculture.
Sometime in 1976-80 and 2000-7, Nigeria ex-president, Chief Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo, advised on "Operation Feed the Nation" and "Cassava Revolution" respectfully. Also in 2012, the ex-president, Arch. Namadi Sambo, revealed that Nigeria had over 85 million hectares of uncultivated arable land. This significantly shows how majority of Nigerians are indifferent to agriculture but, are after white collar jobs which are not there and highly competitive to find.
An important sector to explore in countering the recession is Agriculture; it is a serious business and an effective tool in boosting one’s income sources — tantamount to financial freedom. It is capable of having multiplier effects on
the economy if massively embraced. It is time to stop looking on farming as a profession for the poor and the old. Time to change one’s mindset on Agriculture and massively invest in it.
the economy if massively embraced. It is time to stop looking on farming as a profession for the poor and the old. Time to change one’s mindset on Agriculture and massively invest in it.
Knowing fully well that Agriculture is divided into various segments which are crops planting, fisheries, animal rearing and forestry. All the segments require having basic knowledge of what they entail. It is advisable to have
basic understanding of whichever version of agriculture you wish to practice or involve professionals so as not to incur loss and debt.
basic understanding of whichever version of agriculture you wish to practice or involve professionals so as not to incur loss and debt.
Possibly Ways Agriculture Can Save Nigeria From Recession
Employment
Agriculture has huge capacity of absorbing sudden mass of unemployed youths: graduates, uneducated and unskilled labor parading the streets as well as those in rural areas. It eradicates idleness. The likely kinds of employment are daily workers, vehicle drivers, technicians/machine operators like operators of bulldozer, tractors,
harvesters, milling machines, mower etc. Glaring example are Obasanjo Farms, Animal Care in Ogun State, Zartech, MIA Farms in Benin-City, Okomu Oilpalm Company in Edo State, Presco etc. The company’s workforces are many. The
workers are assured of daily/monthly payment of wages/salaries depending on the agreement and nature of job.
harvesters, milling machines, mower etc. Glaring example are Obasanjo Farms, Animal Care in Ogun State, Zartech, MIA Farms in Benin-City, Okomu Oilpalm Company in Edo State, Presco etc. The company’s workforces are many. The
workers are assured of daily/monthly payment of wages/salaries depending on the agreement and nature of job.
Food Security
Farming prevents famine and malnutrition. This situation has been or is being witnessed in certain parts of developing countries. Recession plus famine
could be disastrous and tragic. The major way to prevent famine is for everyone to widely encourage farming, efficient food storage and processing facilities; no
matter how small or big. Having a garden in our respective homes goes a long way in achieving food for all goal. Besides, on individuals farms, the farm produce harvested reduces money you are supposed to spend on purchase of food stuffs for your family thereby, encouraging savings or
investment of such excesses on other profitable ventures.
could be disastrous and tragic. The major way to prevent famine is for everyone to widely encourage farming, efficient food storage and processing facilities; no
matter how small or big. Having a garden in our respective homes goes a long way in achieving food for all goal. Besides, on individuals farms, the farm produce harvested reduces money you are supposed to spend on purchase of food stuffs for your family thereby, encouraging savings or
investment of such excesses on other profitable ventures.
With the growing population, the demand for food is increasing on daily basis at a climbing rate thereby, warranting more involvement in farming.
Shortage in food supply in meeting people’s demands is capable of setting hunger and famine in motion — thereby leading to increase in crime rate, terrorism and hooliganism. Once there is sufficient food in the land and people are well fed despite the recession; people’s energy could well be
channeled into redefining the economy and charting a new course towards meeting other basic needs. Agricultural sector unarguably provide food needed for humans survival among others.
channeled into redefining the economy and charting a new course towards meeting other basic needs. Agricultural sector unarguably provide food needed for humans survival among others.
Improved Standard of Living
The proceeds and materials generated from Agriculture will improve the welfare and comfortability of those involved in Agricultural sector — ranging from quality clothes, comfortable houses, exotic cars, vacations among others. It will add to Nigeria’s GDP and stimulate rural electrification projects and channeling of pipe borne water into the rural areas where large scale farming is being practiced thereby, discouraging influx of migrants from rural areas into urban areas; owing to the raised standard of living.
Source of Income
Agriculture is a viable source of earning both locally and outside the shores of Nigeria. A few of potential crops that could be considered for local and foreign trades are Cashew, Cocoa, Palm oil, Cassava, Beans, Maize, Banana, Yam, Cotton, Orange, Fur (skin & hide), Rubber among others. Since humans can not survive on earth without consumption of some of these crops or their usage as raw materials in some industries — towards final transformation into finished products — they will continue to generate massive sources of income; depending on your level of commitment culminating the outputs realized.
Due to absence of most agricultural produce processing plants in Nigeria, most of the exported farm produce are used as raw materials — in producing juices, leather, plastic, tyre etc.
Due to absence of most agricultural produce processing plants in Nigeria, most of the exported farm produce are used as raw materials — in producing juices, leather, plastic, tyre etc.
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