The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, FMAFS, has flagged-off the free distribution of farm inputs to 40 cooperatives and commodities associations in Yobe.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the inputs included farm machinery, water pumps, knapsack sprayers, power tillers, herbicides, insecticides, organic liquid fertilizer and certified seeds.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, who inaugurated the exercises on Friday in Damaturu, said that the free inputs distribution aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Represented by Hajiya Zara Kachallah, the Ministry’s Director, Special Duties, Kyari reiterated the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-administration to transform the agriculture sector to stimulate growth, create jobs, attain food security and eradicate poverty.
Kyari said that the ministry would continue to implement short term plans and support mechanisms to make essential farm inputs more affordable and accessible to farmers through a transparent and accountable process.
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“Our foremost concern is the facilitation of Agri-inputs and basic farm machinery to small-scale farmers, who are constrained by the high market cost of these essential inputs, and thus need assistance,” he said.
In his remarks, Alhaji Suleiman Musa, the State Coordinator, FMAFS, said the program was a testimony of the ministry’s commitment toward supporting agricultural growth and sustainability in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Indeed it is not only an empowerment but a strategic policy that is in consonance with global best practice,” he said.
Also speaking, Alhaji Garba Usman, Permanent Secretary, Yobe Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, said his ministry would continue to partner with FMAFS to revive the agriculture sector.
NAN
