No fewer than 1,000 small-scale farmers in Katsina State, including displaced persons and people with special needs, are set to receive free agricultural inputs from the Federal Government.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this on Thursday during the flag-off of the distribution exercise in Katsina.
Represented by a director in the ministry, Umar Musa, the minister said the intervention supports President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and efforts toward sustainable food security.
Kyari described food security as a critical national and global priority, aligned with the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
He said the Federal Government had introduced wide-ranging economic reforms aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, creating jobs and reducing the rising cost of living.
“To address challenges affecting our food security goals, the administration is implementing strategic reforms to stimulate productivity and improve access to food,” he said.
The minister added that targeted emergency and humanitarian interventions had also been rolled out to cushion the impact of the prevailing food crisis.
Kyari recalled that a state of emergency on food security was declared in July 2023, underscoring the government’s commitment to transforming the agricultural sector.
“Since assuming office on Aug. 21, 2023, the ministry has reviewed programmes and introduced initiatives to support farmers and ensure food is available and affordable,” he said.
He assured that agricultural programmes are aligned with presidential priorities, while collaboration with state governments, development partners, NGOs and the private sector is being strengthened.
According to him, the intervention specifically targets smallholder farmers who are constrained by high input costs.
“Our priority is to ensure essential inputs and mechanisation tools are accessible through transparent and accountable processes,” Kyari stated.
Items distributed include power tillers, herbicides, liquid fertilisers, knapsack sprayers and water pumps.
In his remarks, Alhaji Ya’u Gwajo-Gwajo, Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Katsina State, commended the initiative but called for the provision of improved seeds and subsidised fertilisers to further enhance productivity.
Represented by the association’s Secretary, Sani Danjari, he said access to quality seeds and fertilisers would help farmers maximise the benefits of the inputs.
Also speaking, the women farmers’ representative, Binta Haruna, expressed gratitude to the government and pledged that beneficiaries would use the items judiciously to boost food production in the state.