News in brief:
– Yobe State has revived its agricultural exhibition to promote agribusiness and showcase local farming potential.
– The government approved free distribution of tractors, inputs, and equipment for the 2025 cropping season.
For the first time since 2006, the Yobe State Government has reintroduced its agricultural exhibition to spotlight the state’s farming potential and promote agribusiness. The event, held in Damaturu on Monday, was organised by the state Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources in collaboration with the Agro Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project.
Platform for innovation, knowledge exchange
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Ali Goniri, described the exhibition as a strategic move to showcase the agricultural strengths of each local government area in the state.
“The agricultural show and exhibition is a forum to showcase the abundant agricultural potentials, resources and products, consolidate past achievements, identify challenges, and chart the way forward,” Goniri stated.
Goniri said the exhibition serves as a platform for promoting agribusiness, encouraging innovation, and facilitating idea exchange among farmers across the state. He noted that the last time such an event took place in Yobe was nearly two decades ago.
Governor Buni approves free inputs for the 2025 cropping season
In a major boost for farmers, Commissioner Goniri announced that Governor Mai Mala Buni has approved the free distribution of farm inputs and equipment for the 2025 cropping season.
“Government is tirelessly working to provide additional inputs ranging from tractors, improved seed, solar water pumps, fertiliser, and agrochemicals to support farmers,” Goniri said.
He emphasised that the inputs would soon be distributed directly to deserving farmers, free of charge, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the agriculture value chain.
ACReSAL backs state with $2.7m and farm machinery
Also speaking at the event, ACReSAL State Coordinator Shehu Mohammed pledged continued support to the ministry. He highlighted ongoing interventions, including:
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Training of 178 agricultural extension workers
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Disbursement of $2.7 million to 111 communities under the Climate-Smart Agriculture/Community Revolving Fund programme
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Procurement of 40 tractors, 500 power tillers, 100 solar-powered irrigation pumps, 1,000 knapsack sprayers
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Distribution of improved seedlings and organic fertiliser to farmers.
Livestock, crops, and equipment on display
The exhibition featured a wide variety of displays, including livestock, improved seeds, farm tools, and local produce such as mangoes, sugarcane, sesame, banana, and fish.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), over 5,340 farmers benefited from the state’s Agriculture Empowerment Programme in 2024, receiving free farm inputs and equipment across all 178 wards.
