The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Yobe Chapter, has cautioned its members against selling agricultural empowerment equipment provided by the state government.
Alhaji Usman Ngari, the state AFAN chairman, issued the warning during an interview with journalists in Damaturu on Monday.
This follows the recent distribution of various mini and heavy farm machinery to 5,340 farmers under the state’s Agricultural Empowerment Programme.
The initiative aims to boost agricultural productivity, ensure food security, and stimulate economic growth.
Ngari stressed that any member caught selling or diverting the equipment would face consequences.
His words: “The state government has the profiles, including the Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), of all beneficiaries.
They have warned that farmers and their accomplices involved in selling or diverting these assets will be prosecuted.
“At our level, we will also impose sanctions on anyone undermining the government’s efforts toward agricultural development in our state.”
Ngari also urged beneficiaries to share the equipment with other farmers in their communities, so that more people could benefit from the scheme.
“Thirty farmers from each of the 178 wards in the state received farm inputs and equipment under this programme.
“The expectation is that those fortunate enough to receive the equipment will share it with other farmers, ensuring that this laudable initiative impacts many lives,” he added.
The chairman expressed gratitude to Governor Mai Mala Buni for initiating the programme, noting that it would make agriculture more attractive, profitable, and efficient in the state.