Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni has subsidized the sale and distribution of tons of fertilizers to farmers at N13, 000 a bag.
According to him, the 50.2 percent subsidy was food security and economic empowerment of farmers in the state.
Flagging off the sale and distribution, yesterday (Monday), in Damaturu, Buni disclosed that; as agriculture remains the main employer of farmers, the State Government will continue to accord priority to the critical sector of the economy.
“The State’s agricultural and livestock policies, are in line with the Federal Government to ensure food security and job creation among youths,” he said.
Besides, he added: “The efficient harness of agricultural resources could enhance self-reliance, and food sufficiency that contribute to the national agricultural policy.
He, therefore commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the joint funding of the Jakusko/Nasari Livestock Development (JNLD) project along with other agricultural incentives to farmers.
He noted that the various incentives could raise farmers’ productivity and incomes in the agricultural and livestock sectors.
Continuing, he said: “The United Nations (UN) has warned of food scarcity; due to the human and natural factors,” warning that the security challenges in the country will affect the production of both crops and livestock.
“We should take advantage of the improved security situation in the State to boost agricultural production including irrigation farming to boost production,” he said.
He added that the Federal Government has also completed the execution of five-year Climate Change Adaptation and the Agribusiness support programme in March, 2022.
Besides the adaptation of the N4 billion refundable counterpart fund, is being processed for the Innovative Strengthening of small-holder farmers and land administration amid the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
He said that the State Government is collaborating with development partners and federal agencies to accelerate irrigation and livestock development schemes.
“I therefore approve the sale and distribution of fertilizers to farmers at a subsidized rate of N13, 000 a bag,” he said, warning that the government is against the diversion of fertilizers to sabotage the agricultural policy.
He directed the Ministry of Agriculture and the steering committee on the revitalization of agriculture and Lava irrigation scheme to sustain the drive towards transforming agriculture efficiently.
He also approved the replacement of the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) project with Community Agricultural Service Training Centres (CASTC) across the state.
He added that traditional and community leaders, farmers and cattle associations and the security agencies to strengthen peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.
