Nigerian Government Distributes Inputs to Katsina State Farmers
The Federal Government has empowered no fewer than one hundred and fifty smallholder farmers in Katsina State with assorted agricultural inputs, equipment, and seeds to boost farming activities.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Muhammad Mahmud Abubakar, flagged off the distribution of the inputs and equipment to smallholder farmers in the state.
Abubakar noted that the development was a part of the ministry’s efforts towards alleviating the negative impacts of insecurity and the COVID-19 pandemic on smallholder farmers.
Represented by Mr. Ukata Benard, the minister added that the initiative would avert the looming food crisis in the country, aggravated by the Russian/Ukraine war.
Abubakar noted that the ministry had distributed different equipment, improved seeds, and seedlings of various crops to farmers in Osun, Plateau, Kaduna, Taraba, and Edo states in an effort to support smallholder farmers.
He said, “In this input distribution, at least 35% of the inputs are targeted at women farmers in line with the target set in the ministry’s National Gender Plan and Policies aimed at ensuring increased opportunities for women; while 15% are targeted at farmers with special needs. Only that way will be possible for us to spur the growth of agriculture and brighten the future of Nigerian young women and men.”
The minister, therefore, urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the inputs to produce food for the nation, inviting other stakeholders to provide similar support to smallholder farmers to enhance their production capacity.
On his part, the Chairman House Committee on Agric Production and Services, Hon. Muntari Dan-Dutse, called on all the security agencies and other stakeholders to end criminality and banditry in the country.
Dan-Dutse, who is also the member representing Funtua/Dandume Federal Constituency in Katsina, said “Sadly, our experience in the recent case of the sudden emergence of insecurity and banditry activities, which in effect, crippled the economy, social engagement and inject constant fear, is a bitter threat to agriculture. We have to give a collective effort and responsibility to each and every responsible Nigerian irrespective of their differences. We have to be bold enough to work together with all relevant security agencies and other stakeholders to have a sustained and coordinated operation to end the unfortunate and sad situations of criminality and banditry facing the country.”
Meanwhile, It was gathered that items distributed include; one ton of certified seeds of rice and maize; 700 units of knapsack sprayer; 1,200 litres of different organic growth enhancers, 100 units of hand push planter; glyphosate; 7 units of maize thresher; 15 units of corn harvester, among others.
Agro Nigeria
