A heated exchange broke out between a Niger State Government official and some local farmers over the distribution of farm inputs during the cropping season.
While farmers accused the government of neglecting their needs, the state official insisted the administration has been consistent in supplying essential farming materials.
At the heart of the disagreement, which surfaced during the distribution of farm inputs to 65,000 farmers in Maikunkele, Bosso Local Government Area, was the claim that farmers have not benefited from government support.
Danladi Kpotun, a spokesman for the farmers, commended the non-governmental organisation One Acre Fund for consistently supporting farmers.
“The gesture of the organisation over the years has assisted us to boost our farming activities,” he said, arguing that the farmers had not received similar assistance from the government.
In response, Alhaji Adamu Garba Maikasua, Director of Agricultural Services in the state Ministry of Agriculture, refuted the claims.
“I know that last year we flagged off the distribution of fertilizers at the farm centre in Minna and many farmers benefitted. Although the products may not have been enough to go round, it is not true that fertilizers were not available to farmers. The government is already making arrangements to provide fertilizers this farming season,” he stated.
Mr. Ade Adebayo, system leader of One Acre Fund, refrained from joining the controversy but provided insight into the NGO’s efforts.
He noted that over 94,000 farmers from Niger, Kwara, and Nasarawa states are set to benefit from the initiative in 2025, including 65,000 in Niger State alone.
“The total input to be distributed free of charge to farmers in the 2025 season is 12.5 million metric tons, including fertilizers (NPK & Urea) and maize seedlings,” Adebayo added.
