USAID, IITA Launches 2023 Agricultural Input Fair in Yobe State
The USAID Feed-the-Future, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and her partner, International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in collaboration with Yobe State Ministry of Agriculture in Potiskum town launched the 2023 Agricultural Inputs Fair in Yobe state, Nigeria.
The initiative, as reported, is determined to increase the use of inputs by smallholder farmers, particularly improved seeds and safe agro-chemicals.
The program was part of USAID’s contribution to the economic recovery in North -East Nigeria, in the wake of the devastation caused by the insurgency.
According to Joke Fayemi, Manager of Communications and Knowledge, the activity seeks to support vulnerable populations to engage in basic farming activities that will enhance food security, increase agricultural incomes and improve resilience among small holder farmers and their families in Adamawa, Borno, Gombe and Yobe states.
She added that the activity works with a coalition of partners to facilitate improved agro-inputs and extension advisory services to serve vulnerable populations, strengthen the institutions that form the market system and the networks that serve small holder farmers who have been disenfranchised by conflict and facilitate the engagement of youths and women in commercial agribusiness activities.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary Yobe State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Musa Abubakar Kollere, described the event as timely too because of the season.
His words: “Agric inputs are very important to all farmers as they’re the ingredients and mix that are needed for improved yield especially high quality Seeds, Fertilizer, Chemicals and Tractors. In all these the most important is the seed and is responsible for 50% of crop yield.
“We’re very grateful to Feed the Feature and its funding agency The USAID and their partners the IITA and ICRISAT for organising an event like this which brings input supplies and farmers together to see first hand the new and improved inputs that are available in the market.
“This is a sort of Extension Service Delivery to our farmers. We at the MANR are presently advocating for the Privatisation of the Agric Extension Services. We saw the advantages of the Model as introduced by IFAD and it seems to be very efficient. Therefore events like this makes our work easy as it provides the first step needed to the realization of our Private Extension Services, that is the sensitization stage. Other inputs like Chemicals and fertilizer are also important. Our farmers need to be properly informed on the use of chemicals to avoid toxicity during storage and the harmful effects of Chemical Residues in our foods.”
The Permanent Secretary further explained that the Government of Yobe State through the MANR is always ready to assist farmers in the provision of Agric inputs like Tractors and other implements, Seeds, Fertilizer and Chemicals and always ready to collaborate with input suppliers as Govt cannot do it alone.
“Agric fares and important gatherings like this platform help to interphase farmers with input suppliers and thereby improve access to new products in the market as well as getting vital information necessary to increase production. It is important to mention here that each year, the FMARD assists Yobe State with Ariel spray against the menace of Quelar birds along River Yobe around Wachakal and Jakusko areas and also around Ngeji and River Gongola in Fika LGA.
“This Year’s theme, “Achieving Food Security and Sustainable Livelihood in Northern Nigeria through Seed System Development “, is very timely because more than ever before, the state is in a dare need of high quality and early maturing seeds that can withstand the adverse effects of climate change like Desertification and Flooding that are threatening our Ecosystem.
“It is our belief that high quality seeds are very necessary in crop production and yield that is needed to create wealth and improve the value chain of the products to enhance Agribusiness to our teeming farmers especially the Youth and Women in Agriculture.
“To achieve the ICRISAT target of reducing poverty by 50% in the dry tropics of Sub Saharan Africa, deliberate efforts should be made to improve Agribusiness and entrepreneurship especially to our Youth and Women to develop interest in Agriculture through the introduction of new technologies and smart Agriculture to make it attractive and also to improve yield. This is the fastest way to achieve food security to our ever expanding population.
“With the help and encouragement of our dear Governor H E Mai Mala Buni CON, who hold our dear farmers with high esteem, the MANR has produced for the first time an Agric Policy for the State as well as a Strategic Plan for Revitalizing Agriculture and has been successful,” he submitted.
Also speaking was the Emir of Fika and Chairman Yobe State Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr Muhammadu Ibn Abali Muhammadu Idrissa, represented by the Emir of Fune, who expressed his gratitude to the group for supporting their farming communities in the state.
The Traditional Ruler stated that, “our people are predominantly farmers who engage in crop production and animal rearing for livelihood support. The traditional institution will continue to welcome new farming techniques while thanking you for your interventions.”
Agro Nigeria / Foluke Ibitomi
