From Andrew Ajijah, Jos
As another farming season is about to begin in Nigeria, a traditional ruler in Plateau State, the Gwom Rwey Vwang, His Royal Highness, Da Gyang Gutt Ballak, has called for massive cultivation of food crops to stem hunger.
The Gwom Rwey Vwang, Da Gyang Gutt Ballak, made the call on Sunday at an annual ritual known as “Besang Chun” of Berom natives in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. He told his subjects to adequately prepare towards cultivating hungry rice, also known as Chun in Berom dialect and acha in Hausa language.
“We have a lot of other crops, quite alright, but ‘acha’ is very important to us. In fact, we use it for so many things. Just as you have seen how they displayed the foods made from ‘acha’, it shows how important it is. In this land, we respect ‘acha’ more than any other crop. Other people may not know, but ‘acha’ also has medicinal value. If someone has diabetes, they are not allowed to eat maize or certain foods, but they can safely eat acha.”
Speaking on the need for government at all levels to provide security for farmers this year, the royal father said, “We are praying that we will have a bumper harvest. We are also praying that we can go to our farms without any form of insecurity. We know what is happening today, so we are asking God that when the rains begin to fall properly, our people will go out to farm peacefully and successfully.”
Earlier in an address, President, Besang Chun, a Berom native family association whose members have a history of longevity, Pamson Dagyat, said the event is seeking God’s face through prayers.
“The Wonong Chun Festival transcends the boundaries of a mere event; it embodies a sacred time of prayer and gratitude, a cherished moment when we unite in seeking God’s blessings upon our beloved Chun (fonio) seeds as we embark on the upcoming farming season. This collective gathering of family members from all Berom districts with ancestral ties to these revered rites serves as a powerful step towards forging unity among us.”
Dagyat stressed the need for massive cultivation of hungry rice, “that is why this year, our family National EXCO will cultivate a 5-hectare Chun farm as a foundational step, while also encouraging family members and the entire Berom community to engage in the farming of this life-sustaining grain.”
Various dishes made from hungry rice were on display while a 104-year-old man was in attendance.
