Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has officially launched the free distribution of agricultural inputs and equipment to smallholder farmers’ associations across the state as part of efforts to promote year-round farming.
The initiative, spearheaded by the federal government, will benefit 31 selected cooperatives, including groups representing women and people with special needs.
Speaking at the event, Governor Bago, fondly referred to as the “farmer Governor,” commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing food security and supporting farmers. He noted that the federal government’s all-season farming programme will empower farmers to be self-sufficient while advancing the national food security and sovereignty agenda.
He also applauded the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security for selecting Niger State as a pilot for the initiative, stressing that the support will complement state-led agricultural programmes and help address nearly half of farmers’ challenges.
Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, described the free distribution scheme as one of President Tinubu’s robust agricultural policies designed to sustain year-round farming, create jobs, reduce living costs, and build a resilient food system.
He added that the federal government’s food and economic reforms aim to stimulate production while ensuring inclusivity, with multiple agricultural projects already underway nationwide.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, explained that at least 35% of the inputs are earmarked for women farmers in line with the National Gender Policy on Agriculture. He emphasized the importance of accountability, urging beneficiaries to make good use of the items.
In separate goodwill messages, representatives from the Niger State Ministry of Agriculture, the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), the Nigeria Association of Women in Agriculture, and associations for people with special needs praised both state and federal governments for the intervention. They described the support as a step that has made them more self-reliant.
Items distributed during the exercise included herbicides, liquid fertilizers, pesticides, growth enhancers, power tillers, water pumps for irrigation, grinding machines, and tricycles, among others.
Reported by: Stone Reporters News
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