Agricultural experts and stakeholders have called for stronger government backing to accelerate the growth of organic and eco-friendly farming practices across the country.
Speaking during a forum on sustainable agriculture, the Chairman of the Organic and Agroecology Initiative (ORAIN), Alhaji Abubakar Gotomo, said the coalition was formed to promote farming systems that protect the environment, restore soil fertility, and reduce dependence on harmful chemicals.
Gotomo stressed that Nigeria’s heavy reliance on synthetic inputs has led to widespread soil degradation, pollution, and declining productivity, threatening long-term food security. “We need policies that recognise organic farming not as an alternative, but as an essential pathway to sustainable agriculture,” he said.
Experts at the meeting urged policymakers to develop incentives, training programmes, and certification systems that will make it easier for farmers to transition to organic production. They noted that despite rising consumer demand for chemical-free produce, most farmers still lack access to the resources and institutional support required to meet organic standards.
The coalition emphasised that a comprehensive national policy on organic agriculture could unlock new opportunities for export markets, improve public health, and enhance environmental resilience in the face of climate change.
“Organic farming offers a win-win for the farmer, the consumer, and the planet,” Gotomo added. “But without clear policy direction, Nigeria risks falling behind global trends in sustainable food systems.”
Analysts say that with proper policy support including subsidies for organic inputs, market development, and public awareness Nigeria could position itself as a leading producer of organic crops in Africa, tapping into the fast-growing global organic market. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
