Council distributes free farm inputs to farmers in Niger State

The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), has distributed improved palm seeds and improved maize seedlings to farmers across Niger state, to increase yields and provide raw materials for industries.

Mr John Amadu, State Coordinator, RMRDC, disclosed this in Minna, Niger state.

“This presentation of inputs to farmers is part of the mandate of the RMRDC to increase yields for farmers and provide raw materials for our industries.
“This is why whatever we give out to farmers is always free of charge,’’ Amadu said.

Amadu said that 350 seedlings of certified palm seeds and 200 kilogrammes of improved maize seeds would be distributed to the farmers.

He said that 100 palm seeds would go to Baka’i Farms in Bosso Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, while Mokwa LGA got 250 palm seeds.

The State Coordinator said that the maize would be shared by the state branch of the Maize Farmers Association of Niger among its members.

He said that the programme was to encourage the farmers to embrace modern techniques in farming.

Amadu advised the farmers to utilize the inputs to increase yields which would result in increased wealth.

“You have to utilize these palm seedlings, so that in the next two to three years they will start producing fruits. The same goes to the improved maize seeds, let us also utilize them to increase our yields,” he said.

Similarly, Dr Idris Gbogan, Permanent Secretary in the state’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, explained that the inputs were meant for indigent farmers who needed to increase production.

“This is for farmers who cannot acquire certified seeds during cultivation.”

Gbogan urged the farmers to always patronize government approved inputs dealers and stores, in order to ensure good yields.

He also advised the farmers to adhere strictly to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), in order to increase yield and expand their farms.

“Although, our extension agents across the state are not enough, you have to make use of the ones we have to teach you,” he said.

He said that the ministry would collaborate with the council to produce a database of benefiting farmers to enable others to benefit.

“We expect that the beneficiaries today will not get it next year. It is expected that after one to two years, you would have increased your yields and expanded your farms,” he said.

Earlier, Alhaji Musa Mohammed, Director, Cooperatives, in the state’s Ministry of Investment, Commerce and Industry, urged the council to extend the gesture to farmers in the 25 LGAs of the state.

Mr Tsonafada Isah, Director of Agriculture, Mokwa LGA, who responded on behalf of the beneficiaries, assured the council that the farmers would ensure effective utilization of the inputs.

Isah thanked the RMRDC for the gesture and prayed for its sustenance.

NAN / Foluke Ibitomi