News in Brief:
– Kebbi State government will distribute ₦7 billion worth of agricultural inputs to 48,000 farmers to enhance food security.
– The initiative, under the CARES Programme, includes 300 truckloads of fertiliser, with strict measures to prevent misuse.
The Kebbi State government in Nigeria recently announced the distribution of agricultural inputs worth ₦7 billion to farmers across the state aiming to boost agricultural productivity and achieve food security.
Governor Nasir Idris made this announcement during an event organized by the Kebbi State Agricultural and Rural Development Agency (KARDA).
He revealed that a total of 48,000 farmers from all 21 local government areas in Kebbi State will benefit from this initiative. The government aims to provide essential agricultural inputs to every farmer to ensure no one is left behind. This comprehensive distribution is expected to significantly boost food production in the state.
The initiative is funded in part by the World Bank’s Community Action Recovery And Economic Stimulus (CARES) Programme. This fund will help procure 100 of the 300 truckloads of fertiliser needed for the farmers. Meanwhile, 100 truckloads will be procured by the Kebbi State government and 110 by the local government councils. This collaborative effort underscores the state’s commitment to supporting its farmers.
Agricultural inputs such as fertilisers and seeds are crucial for increasing crop yields. By providing these inputs for free, the Kebbi State government aims to enhance food production, ensuring that the state can achieve food security and self-sufficiency. This is particularly important in a country like Nigeria, where agriculture plays a vital role in the economy and in providing livelihoods for millions of people.
Governor Idris emphasised the importance of using the provided inputs judiciously and warned against selling government-provided fertiliser in the market. Security agencies have been tasked with monitoring and enforcing this directive, ensuring that the inputs reach the intended beneficiaries and are used for their intended purpose.
The government’s commitment to agriculture is further demonstrated by the extension of the CARES rogramme, formerly known as the Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus Programme. This programme has been extended to December 31, 2024, to continue addressing the challenges faced by the people, particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
