Yobe distributes N14b-free agricultural inputs to 1,590 farmers
in an effort to boost agricultural and food security. Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has distributed N14 billion in agricultural inputs to farmers in the state.
The procured 71,835 units of farm inputs, including 100 tractors, comprise agricultural equipment, assorted seeds and pesticides, and protecting the crops.
Director General, Press and Media Affairs to the Governor, Mamman Mohammed, stated this in a press statement on Thursday in Damaturu.
“The distribution of agricultural inputs to 1,590 farmers in the East Senatorial District of the state is free under the state’s Agricultural Empowerment Programme (YAEP).”
He added that the farmers are drawn from 53 political wards in Geidam, Gujba, Tarmuwa, Gulani, and Bursari Local Government Areas.
Besides the distribution in the district, the DG said in the statement: “OOur farmers in the north and south senatorial districts, comprising a dozen local councils, are included in the free distribution of agricultural implements with improved seeds to boost employment.”
In a breakdown of the distributed farm inputs, the spokesman said that over 1, 060 male farmers are provided with free 159 hand ploughs and 159 motorised hand tillers, 212 multi-purpose threshers, and 530 solar-powered water pumps.
Other distributed agricultural implements included 3,180 bags of fertiliser, 530 hand-held planters, 1,060 Knapsack sprayers, 10,600 kg of assorted seeds, and 10,600 litres of pesticides and herbicides.
Besides the male farmers, he added that 530 women each received two female and male goats to breed about 3,180 goats in a year.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, performed the ceremonial launch of the procured N14 billion in agricultural equipment and machinery to boost economic development and growth.
The governor, however, warned the farmers against the abuse of the distributed tractors, utility vehicles, and motorcycles for the agricultural extension workers and selling them.
Buni, therefore, directed security agencies to impound and arrest people moving the distributed farm inputs outside the state.
Responding to the distribution exercise, some of the beneficiaries commended the governor for supporting them to produce their food and improve the local economy.
Babagana Ali, a beneficiary from Yunusari, said the support would enable him to expand his farmland in the production of food and cash crops.
A farmer in Geidam, Musa Aliyu in Geidam, said that he will be cultivating the farmlands and continuing with irrigation farming next year.
Hajiya Fanna Modu in Daptchi thanked the governor for distributing the ruminants for breeding to create employment with increased incomes.
