Buni distributes agricultural inputs to 1,000 vulnerable farmers in Yobe
By Njadvara Musa, Damaturu.
Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has distributed various agricultural inputs to 1,000 vulnerable household farmers in the state.
According to him, the farm inputs comprise irrigation water pumps and hoses, knapsack sprayers, improved seeds of cowpea, maize, vegetables, sorghum, rice, and the NPK and liquid fertilisers.
Governor Buni disclosed this while flagging off the distribution inputs in Damaturu.
“Our collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Stabilisation Facility in the Lake Chad region is today’s distribution of farm inputs to 1,000 vulnerable household farmers that they were affected by the over-a-decade insurgency that destroyed their houses and means of livelihoods.
The distribution of agricultural inputs, he added, also aligned with the state government’s action plan on durable solutions to the massive displacement of persons.
Highlighting the significance of empowering the farmers, Buni stated, “The distribution of farm inputs to the Malumdinari community and other host farming communities marks a milestone in the state’s commitment to building resilient communities to restore livelihoods of the displaced persons.
The governor, however, noted that Malumdinari remains the only community yet to be resettled with livelihoods.
“Despite the challenges of IDPs, they continue to remain resilient, steadfast, and excited to return to their ancestral homes that were destroyed by the insurgents.
“We fully acknowledge the significance of an enabling, voluntary, safe, and dignified return of all displaced persons,” he said
He added that the state government is investing in critical infrastructures and other basic services to ensure a smooth and sustainable resettlement process with the UNDP support.
Highlighting the IDP resettlement project, Buni stated that the efforts in road construction, security, housing, education, and improved access to healthcare are laying the foundation for a long-term recovery process.
He urged the farming households to use the distributed farm inputs for the dry and rainy seasons farming in the Kumadugu/River Basin of the Nguru, Karasuwa, Bursari, Yusufari, Yunusari, Machina, Bade, and Geidam communities, a border area with Niger.
Other farmers’ empowerment initiatives of the Buni administration included the procurement of N14.5 billion in agricultural machinery and implements for farmers in the 178 wards of the state.
He noted that the farmers empowerment program launched last August by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, was to boost food security and employment in the state.
