The Federal Executive Council has approved the sum of N2.4 billion for the procurement of seeds for various crops, in order to boost agricultural production in the country.
Minister of State for Agriculture, Mustapha Shehuri disclosed this to State House Correspondents at the end of this week’s cabinet meeting chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari.
He said: “The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural development presented two memos. First was a memo seeking approval for the award of contracts to agricultural institutes and research agencies for the production and distribution of seeds and seedlings to farmers.
“This is at the cost of N2, 164, 702, 006.78. The approval, which was given, will now help our research institutes to produce seeds for farmers, to aid next year’s farming season.”
The Minister also disclosed that the council approved over one billion naira for the purchase of soil test kits for use by
“The second memo was for an approval for the award of contract for the purchase of 1014 soil test kits and soil laboratory analytical equipment for the National Institute of Soil Science at the coat of N278, 008, 581.63, and council approved,” he stated.
The Minister said the two approvals would go a long way to enhance agricultural activities across the country.
Nnenna.O
