The Niger State Government has commenced the distribution of essential farm inputs and assets to 94,500 farmers under the 2024 FADAMA NG-CARES and Bago-CARES schemes.
The distribution, which began on Wednesday in Minna, is being carried out in batches across the three zones of the state.
Alhaji Shehu Kudu, Coordinator of the FADAMA project, noted that this initiative is a collaborative effort between the Federal Government, the World Bank, and the Niger State Government, aimed at mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on agriculture. The official launch of the scheme took place on August 22nd.
The beneficiaries, primarily peasant farmers, are set to receive three bags of NPK and Urea fertilizers, three liters of chemical, and 5kg of either rice or maize—all provided at no cost. Kudu explained that these inputs are intended to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and flood victims, helping to improve their livelihoods and overall standard of living.
To qualify for these inputs, farmers are required to register with designated desk officers in their local government areas, using either their National Identification Number (NIN) or voter card.
Alhaji Kudu urged the beneficiaries to utilize these inputs effectively to enhance their agricultural productivity and lift themselves out of poverty.
One of the beneficiaries, Garba Umaru, expressed gratitude to both the Federal and State Governments, as well as FADAMA, for their support, pledging to use the inputs to boost food production.