By Joy Salami and Abraham Abubakar
The Chairman of the Melon Growers Association in Kogi State, Alhaji Suleiman Salawu, has appealed to Kogi State Government to support members of the association with agricultural inputs, land clearing and storage facilities to boost production in the state.
Suleiman made the appeal during a courtesy visit by members of the association to the Managing Director of The Graphic Newspaper, Mr. Yusuf Itopa, where he urged the media organisation to help convey the farmers’ message to the State Government.
Speaking during the visit, the chairman said the association was formed to unite melon farmers across the state and strengthen melon production not only for local consumption but also for distribution across the country and possible export.
Salawu explained that melon farming in Kogi State had great potential due to the availability of fertile land suitable for large-scale cultivation.
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He expressed appreciation to the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for showing commitment to the agricultural sector since assuming office, noting that the governor’s policies had renewed hope among farmers in the state. Adding that since he came on board, they have observed the attention he was giving to agriculture in the state.
The chairman further disclosed that the association had access to vast virgin land across parts of the state which could be cultivated for large-scale melon farming if adequate support was provided.
According to him, the farmers were ready to increase production but required assistance from the government, particularly in the areas of farm inputs, mechanised land clearing, and storage facilities.
He disclosed that Kogi state has a very good virgin land that can be used to grow melons very well for both home consumption and export.
What we need now is support from the government, especially with inputs because this is the time we need to clear our land and prepare for the next farming season,” he said.
He stressed that establishing a large warehouse for melon storage would also help farmers preserve their produce and attract buyers from different parts of the country.
We also need a very big warehouse where we can stock our melons. When buyers come, they will be able to purchase directly from us and it will help us improve our business. With the right support, we can even export our products, Suleiman explained.
The association’s chairman therefore appealed to the management of The Graphic Newspaper to help relay their message to Governor Ododo, expressing confidence that the State Government would respond positively to their request.
“We are appealing to the Managing Director of The Graphic Newspaper to help convey our message to His Excellency the governor so that our association can receive the support needed to boost melon farming in Kogi State,” he said.
Salawu also used the opportunity to appreciate the immediate past governor of the state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for his contributions to the development of agriculture, while praying God to elevate him to higher positions.
In his response, the Managing Director of The Graphic Newspaper, Mr. Yusuf Itopa, commended the melon farmers for organising themselves into an association and taking steps to promote productivity in the agricultural sector of the state.
He described agriculture as a vital sector capable of transforming the economy and creating employment opportunities for many Nigerians.
Mr. Itopa assured the visiting farmers that the media organisation would continue to provide a platform for farmers and other stakeholders to highlight issues affecting agricultural development.
He also encouraged the association to remain committed to boosting productivity and improving the quality of their produce.
The MD further assured the delegation that their concerns and requests would be communicated appropriately, while urging them to continue working together to strengthen the agricultural value chain in Kogi State.
Members of the Melon Growers Association who accompanied the chairman on the visit reiterated their commitment to expanding melon farming in Kogi State if adequate government support was provided.
