AFAN decries low budgetary allocation to agric, optimistic still

THE ALL FARM ERS ASSOCIA TION OF NIGE RIA (AFAN) has described the proposed budgetary allocation of N83 billion to Agriculture and Rural Development in the 2020 Appropriation Bill as rather low given the government’s avowed commitment to use the sector as the hub of its economic diversification agenda over the years.

But then, the association expressed optimism that if the capital budgets in critical sectors of power, works, water and transportation are fully implemented in the fiscal year and some fiscal incentives proposed in the proposed budget granted on major commodity crops, the sector would consolidate on its recent growth trajectory.

Kabiru Ibrahim, Tte national president of the association, in a telephone chat with business a. mon the agricultural sector’s allocation and implications for national food security, explained that although most farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural value chains were not too satisfied with the figures but that they believed that other supports, particularly the CBN’s interventions in the sector, would go a long way in moving the sector forward.

He said: “Yes, if you look at the proposed figures for the sector in the budget, there is nothing cheery about it, especially when you hear what government has been saying over the years to reduce Nigeria’s over-reliance on oil sector as the country’s chief foreign exchange earner and support the sector through improved investments and policy measures to grow the economy.

“Despite this low budgetary proposal for the sector in the 2020 budget, we are encouraged by the fact that implementation of the capital budgets allocated to critical sectors like power and transportation will also impact on the sector positively.

“We are optimistic that sustenance of the very laudable interventions by the