Enugu — The Enugu State government has been urged to stop using politicians for the distribution of fertilizer and other farming implements to farmers.

The traditional ruler of Adogbalato Kingdom in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Igwe Chris Oti, who spoke during the new yam festival, expressed regrets that over the years, fertilizers and other farming implements meant for farmers in Enugu and the country at large had been hijacked by politicians, adding that such ugly development, if not addressed, was capable of causing the country food shortage.

The traditional ruler added that proper handling of government farming incentives would not only boost food production in the country, but would guarantee food security as well as encourage more people to go into farming.

"It is against the backdrop of encouraging people including young ones to go into farming that I decided to institute prize and cash awards for best farmers, especially in yam production in my community.

When traditional rulers are allowed to handle issues concerning fertilizer and other implements, they would get to the real farmers at the grassroots," he said.