The Borno State government in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has flagged off the distribution of dry-season farming inputs to flood-affected communities.
Speaking at the ceremony in Khaddamari town of the Jere Local Government Area (LGA), Borno Deputy Governor Usman Kadafur said the measure would boost food security and rebuild agricultural livelihoods in the state and the region.
Mr Kadafur said 24,500 farmers in Borno would benefit from the support targeting 49,000 farmers in the North-East for sustainable agricultural development.
He said the support comprised high-quality seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides for the affected farmers in 12 LGAs in Borno.
In his speech, FAO representative in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dominique Kouacou, said the critical intervention is rebuilding livelihoods in flood-affected areas.
Mr Kouacou said the October floods submerged 4.5 million hectares of land, causing significant agricultural losses amounting to nearly $1 billion in potential cereal crop revenue.
According to him, FAO is supporting 49,000 households in the North-East, with 24,500 in Borno State alone, through the provision of seeds, fertilisers, and solar-powered water pumps.
He added that the intervention also includes distributing Tom Brown nutrition packages and fuel-efficient stoves to 300 households to address malnutrition and promote environmental sustainability.
Tina Olayimidi of Samaritan Care, a partner organisation, said it will distribute bio-waste coal briquettes, vegetable seedlings, and nutritional supplements to children under five and pregnant women.
Inna Galadima, the chairperson of Jere LGA, expressed gratitude to the Borno State government and FAO for the intervention, which she said remained a vital step toward achieving food security and zero hunger in the state.
Bulama Goni, one of the beneficiaries, commended the state government and FAO for the support, which he said would go a long way in alleviating their suffering.