By Gloria Abutu
The Federal Government has commenced the distribution of agricultural inputs to small holder farmers in Adamawa State as part of measures to boost food production and ensure national food security.
The flag-off ceremony, held in Yola, covered items allocated for the 2024 farming season, with preparations already underway for the 2025 phase.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, represented by the Director of Planning and Coordination in the ministry, Umar Salihu Mohammed, said the intervention targets women, youths, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons, commodity associations, and registered cooperative groups.
He explained that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and forms part of efforts to increase agricultural output, enhance rural productivity, and support Nigeria’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger.
“In alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, the Federal Government declared a national state of emergency on food security in July 2023. Therefore, I want to use this opportunity to assure you that this administration has demonstrated total political will to transform the agricultural sector of our dear country by making food security a priority,” he stated.
The Minister further assured that the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening the agricultural sector to ensure food availability and reduce poverty.
“It is the resolve of the present administration to develop the agricultural sector towards improving agriculture and rural productivity, as well as attaining the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals, especially that of Zero Hunger. For this purpose, we wish to reiterate our commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector for enhanced food security, while contributing to the eradication of poverty in the country,” he added.
The Adamawa State Coordinator of the ministry, Salihu Jenongso, described the gesture as a ‘relief for farmers’ and urged them to actively contribute to food security.
He cautioned beneficiaries against selling the inputs, stressing that they should be used strictly for farming purposes to improve yields and livelihoods.
A total of 30 cooperative groups benefited from the distribution exercise.
Some beneficiaries, including Imam Ibrahim and Hajara Adamu, expressed appreciation to the federal government and pledged to make judicious use of the inputs.
Items distributed include herbicides, fertilizers, fungicides, growth enhancers, seeds, sprayers, power tillers, water pumps, and winnowing machines.
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