The Federal Government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has rolled out the distribution of agricultural inputs and equipment as intervention to about 1,500 small holder farmers in Katsina State, North-West Nigeria.
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Dr. Muhammed Abubakar who disclosed this during the distribution said, 15% of the inputs will be distributed to farmers with disabilities, while 35% will be given to women farmers in line with the National Gender Plan of the Ministry.
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The Minister who was represented by a director in the Ministry, Ukatta Bernard said, the roll-out of agricultural inputs is to ensure high production, which is the core mandate of the Ministry that will lead to poverty reduction, job creation, food and nutrition security.
He added that, the programme targeting small holder farmers is to enhance the farming family’s income, create jobs and generate wealth.
Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Agricultural Production, Muntari Dandutse while urging the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the farming inputs called on security agencies to rise up against the renewed wave of insecurity saying the government has provided them with all the required support.
He further said the House Committee is making efforts in collaboration with security agencies to ensure that farmers in security flash points are able to cultivate their farmlands.
Earlier, Katsina State Coordinator of the Ministry, Suleiman Salisu said the farmers were selected from each of the three senatorial zones to make a far-reaching impact on agricultural productivity in the state.
He therefore urged the various crop associations and cooperatives to monitor the beneficiaries to ensure that they make the best use of the inputs.
The agricultural inputs distributed include one ton of certified seeds of groundnut and maize, 1,200 litres of different organic growth enhancers, 2,000 litres of cypermethrin, 4,800 litres of real estate and glyphosate; 1,600 litres of landacylothrine, 150 pasta machines, as well as seven units of corn harvester.
Others are eight units of hammer mill with cyclone, 700 units of knapsack sprayer, 120 units of water pump, seven units maize thresher and 60 units of hand push planter.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
