By Fatima Muraina

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As 2023 farming season begins, Ondo state farmers have been urged to shun child labour and protect the indigenous trees along with the farming activities in order to protect the environment.

The National President of Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, CFAN, Mr Adeola Adegoke gave the charge while commenting on the flagging off of planting season for year 2023 in Akure, Ondo state.

Adegoke said farmers mobilising themselves to farm should make sure that they employ labourers and not  children, appealing that they should allow the children to go to school.

He described the flag off of farming season as a symbol to show that farmers should go back to farm which was a signal that rain has started for farming operations.

This, he stated is an opportunity to maximize agriculture as a business and that farmers should also be conscious of the rain and the use of chemicals.

Adegoke advised farmers on the need to involve themselves in what he called smart agricultural practices to enhance productivity and their income.

To avoid any challenges of farming activities, he expressed that farmers should work with the extension arm of the state and the Federal government so as to properly manage the weather situation.

He commended the Ondo state Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for being the hallmark of flagging off farming season.

While applauding the initiative and governments policy in its continuous efforts at remembering and informing farmers on when to start planting, he described the gesture as a welcome development which indicated that the state is rich in agriculture.