In a bid to address growing environmental concerns and promote sustainable agricultural practices, Hon. Agho Oliver, the Member of Parliament for Bafut-Tubah Constituency, has urged farmers to embrace organic farming. Speaking at an event in Bamenda on Thursday 11 April 2024, Hon. Oliver emphasized the importance of indigenous solutions to local agricultural challenges.
During the event, Hon. Oliver distributed farm inputs to representatives of 66 farmers groups in his constituency. In his address, he highlighted the environmental benefits of organic agriculture, despite its higher initial costs. He stressed the need for local solutions to combat the challenges posed by climate change and other global issues.
"Organic agriculture may require more investment upfront, but its long-term benefits for the environment and public health are invaluable," Hon. Oliver remarked.
Talking to The Hilltop Mail, the MP Expressed concerns over the quality and potential negative impacts of imported farm inputs like fertilizers, Hon. He emphasized that many imported inputs enter the country without adequate scrutiny, posing risks to both human health and the environment.
To support his advocacy for organic farming, Hon. Agho Oliver donated natural manure bags of Folia and Fowl droppings, as well as natural maize and potato seeds, to farmers in his constituency. These contributions aim to promote sustainable farming practices and reduce reliance on chemical inputs.
Aberiche Hans, the Divisional Delegate for Agriculture in Mezam Division, commended Hon. Oliver for his efforts to promote organic farming. He acknowledged the importance of such initiatives, especially as farming activities intensify with the onset of the rainy season.
Farmers have expressed gratitude to the MP for his gesture which they say has become an annual tradition.
"I want to thank the parliamentarian for this seeds. I am still consumming corn (maize) from the seeds he gave me last year. I want to pray for him that God should bless him." Nyingcho, a benefiting farmer said
The call for organic agriculture by Hon. Agho Oliver underscores a growing recognition of the need for sustainable farming practices in the face of climate change and environmental degradation.