News in brief:
– Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal, plans to utilise funds from the N-CARES program to boost the agricultural sector, under the FADAMA III project.
– The administration will first distribute farm inputs and assets to 19,000 farmers across the state with the aim to empower 100,000 farmers over four years.
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State aims to revitalise the agricultural sector and support vulnerable communities using funds from the Nigeria Coronavirus (COVID-19) Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (N-CARES) program.
Additionally, the initiative involves distributing farm inputs and agricultural assets to 19,000 farmers across 14 local government areas in the state.
The FADAMA III project, as part of the N-CARES program, targets boosting food security and strengthening food supply chains for vulnerable households in Zamfara. Over the next four years, the program aims to empower 100,000 farmers with necessary equipment and seeds. Other key aspects of the project include supporting livestock rearing, infrastructure development and reducing food loss and waste.
Governor Lawal revealed that 700 power tillers will be distributed to 735 groups of 10 farmers and 11,760 farmers will receive fertilisers, herbicides, insecticides, improved seeds, and seed dressing chemicals. He further revealed that the state has allocated 33,000 bags of fertiliser, made up of 22,000 bags of NPK and 11,000 bags of Urea for the project. The seeds will be for rice and maize cultivation, while 2,550 individuals will be provided with small ruminant animals to promote income generation and food security.
Meantime, Lawal emphasised the importance of the agricultural sector to Zamfara’s economy and the well-being of its people. He reiterated his administration’s dedication to providing social interventions for vulnerable individuals and revitalising the agricultural sector through adequate support to farmers.
Overall, the FADAMA III project aligns with the Zamfara State government’s 2024 ‘Rescue Budget,’ which prioritises agricultural development and economic recovery. This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to food security, poverty reduction, and rural development in Zamfara State.
