Jamilu Abubakar
The Federal Government has launched the distribution of farm inputs to smallholder farmers in Gombe State as part of efforts to boost agricultural production and address food security challenges in the country.
The exercise, was carried out by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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Speaking at the event, the Director of Special Services, Mr Kizito Dankat Gukas, who represented the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the initiative is aimed at empowering farmers with essential inputs to increase production and mitigate the impact of the food crisis.
He explained that the distribution aligns with the federal government’s declaration of food security as a national emergency, adding that steps have been taken to make farm inputs affordable, accessible and available to genuine farmers.
The inputs distributed include herbicides, pesticides, knapsack sprayers, growth enhancers and water pumps, targeted at farmer groups, persons with special needs, and internally displaced persons in the state.
The Minister stressed that the government is also working with state authorities, non-governmental organisations and the private sector to stimulate economic growth, create jobs and reduce poverty through agriculture.
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Some beneficiaries who spoke to Radio Nigeria expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the gesture. Yohanna Umar, a physically challenged farmer, said the inputs would support their economic independence and reduce dependence on alms. Similarly, Lauratu Abdullahi, representing the Saminaka Women Group, lauded the inclusion of women farmers in the programme for the first time.
They, however, appealed to President Tinubu to make fertiliser more affordable and accessible to farmers to further enhance food production.
It is expected that about 20 cooperative societies will benefit from the distribution in Gombe State.