The Federal Government has stepped up its food security drive by distributing agricultural inputs and equipment to smallholder farmers in Bauchi State, in a move aimed at boosting productivity, supporting rural livelihoods, and addressing the rising cost of farm supplies.
Speaking at the flag-off of the distribution in Bauchi on Friday, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the intervention underscores the Tinubu administration’s commitment to prioritising food security as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Kyari, who was represented by Mr. Kizito Gukas, Director of General Services at the ministry, noted that food production remains central to Nigeria’s economic stability.
“President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency on food security in July 2023, and since then, we have rolled out a series of reforms and short-term interventions to stabilise the sector,” he explained. “Today’s distribution is part of that commitment — to ensure essential inputs are affordable, accessible, and available to our farmers.”
The items distributed include a wide range of inputs and mechanisation tools such as herbicides, organic fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, knapsack sprayers, growth enhancers, tomato seeds, power tillers, and water pumps.
According to the minister, the support will be channeled through 25 commodity associations, cooperative groups, farmers with special needs, and internally displaced persons.
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Kyari stressed that the intervention targets smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of Nigeria’s food supply but often face significant challenges due to high input costs, weak access to technology, and climate-related disruptions.
By easing these constraints, he said, the government hopes to drive higher yields, create jobs, reduce poverty, and advance the Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger.
“Our resolve is clear: to transform the agricultural sector, boost food productivity, and ensure no Nigerian goes hungry,” Kyari said.
Dr. Iliyasu Gital, Bauchi State’s Commissioner for Agriculture, praised the federal initiative, noting that agriculture remains one of the state’s most viable tools for economic diversification.
He assured that Bauchi State is also investing in policies that empower farmers, promote irrigation, and strengthen value chains for key crops.
In her remarks, Hajiya Khadijatu Ishaku, State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, urged beneficiaries to use the items responsibly. “Only through proper utilisation of these inputs can we achieve the food security objectives for which they are being provided,” she cautioned.
Representing the beneficiaries, Malam Lawan Musa, Chairman of the Dangulbi Farmers Cooperative Association, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government.
He described the intervention as timely, especially as many smallholders continue to grapple with soaring input prices and unpredictable weather conditions.
He called for sustained support and continuity of such programmes to ensure farmers across the country remain resilient and productive.
NAN
