Some farmers in Ekiti State have been upgraded in recognition of their commitment to farming and agricultural development.
The farmers, mostly women, received push to various stages in line with their activities and efforts at uplifting local farm products in the state.
The upgrade came in seven ranks of different stars as Rubie, Silver, Sardius, Diamond, Sapphire, Emerald and Gold.
The events came up yesterday in Ado-Ekiti as organized by a Non Governmental Organization (NGO), Build Up Women in Agriculture Initiative(BWAI).
BWAI, which focuses on building of rural women and youths to become entrepreneurs, has collaboration and support of agricultural experts at both national and international levels to train farmers, most especially women and youths, with modern technology through seminars/workshops and various means.
The Chief Executive officer of the NGO, Rev. Mrs Funmi Agbaje Akinsola, told newsmen that the vision of BWAI is to ensure and sensitize women and youths to embrace agriculture as the alternative to improve their livelihoods and sustainable future, while developing local products for exportation.
“Our mission is to empower members by giving them skills, growing knowledge through training seminar/workshop at various fields, such as crops production, processing, livestock, fishery, among others to create wealth and job opportunity for economic survival.
“BWAI programme is from farm to the table, coupled with network marketing as a business opportunity to improve the livelihoods and become self sufficient.”
Mrs Akinsola explained that the event was organized to flag off the presentation of bonus & incentives to farmers with excellent performance in the state while the farmers in turn become BWAI Stars.
She added, “In 2018, during International Women’s Day, we sold agric/food products at very cheap rate to assist women and children. The NGO started five years ago with the main objective of training women in agriculture to eradicate poverty in the country. Our major challenge has been shortage of funds, but things are improving with hope on stakeholders and international supports.
“Obtaining loan has not been easy, looking at the process and requirements in Bank of Industry. Although we have been doing it without loan, if loan is eventually collected without proper usage, it could create problems for farmers. Two things that can sustain farmers are grants and bonus, our members shall soon enjoy this.”
She advised farmers to be committed and focused especially on particular farm products to avoid complicity and distraction.
Among the farmers who received some bonus and incentive packages were Mrs Florence Adeoye, Mrs Florence Adalumo, Mrs Ayodele Ezekiel Oluwatoyin, Mrs Jegede Oladunni Eunice and Mr Adewumi Olayinka Samuel
The BWAI Star Farmers at the event expressed gratitude on the elevation while urging the government and other stakeholders on adequate supports for farmers.
Mrs Florence Adalumo, who spoke on behalf of others, said, “We appreciate the coordinatior of BWAI. She is an iron lady and very courageous woman. This is a laudable programme which serves as a source of inspiration to farmers and we want to encourage our people to be focus and serious.
”Government job is not dependable, we need to educate our people to save for the rainy day by embracing agriculture and be self employed. It is the government that is making people to doubt agriculture as a means of sustainability because of lack of adequate support.”