Farming is not a poor man's job, Abakaliki farmer tells Nigerians

A farmer in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Mbam Sunday, has urged Nigerians to take farming seriously, saying agriculture should not be seen as an inferior job.

Sunday, who farms rice, beniseed and groundnut, said Nigeria is blessed with good land that can support the production of different crops.

Speaking about farming in Abakaliki, he explained that crops such as rice, yam and vegetables grow well in the area. He added that vegetables are relatively cheap because many residents are involved in farming.

He also pointed out that different states in Nigeria have crops they can produce, including plantain, yam, maize and cassava.

According to him, if every state focuses on producing the crops that grow well in its area, Nigeria could produce more food and become a country other nations would admire.

Sunday expressed concern that many young people focus mainly on getting white-collar jobs, while looking down on farming. He explained that having an office job is not bad, but farming can also provide a good income.

He recalled that in the past, some teachers combined their teaching jobs with farming, working on their farms after school or during weekends.

He stressed that Nigerians should change their attitude towards farming and recognise it as an important means of livelihood.