To combat the food crisis affecting the country, particularly in the Northern Region, the Kebbi State government has taken a proactive step by procuring 210 trucks of fertiliser for distribution to farmers during the rainy season.
This initiative aims to address food insufficiency and alleviate the hardships faced by citizens. Governor Nasir Idris announced this move in Birnin-Kebbi, the state capital, emphasising that the fertiliser will be provided free of charge to rural peasant farmers.
According to a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris, at least 48,000 peasant farmers will benefit from this initiative, which aims to enhance their farming capacities. The fertiliser will be distributed to local farmers in their villages and communities, along with other essential agricultural inputs.
The move to combat the food crisis headlong was said to have been made public by the governor at the launching of agricultural inputs by the State COVID 19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus, Kebbi State Cares Coordinating Unit.
The fertiliser distribution exercise is a joint effort between the State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and the Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Fadama III Implementing Unit. Governor Idris emphasised that this initiative is part of his commitment to support all farmers in their agricultural endeavours, ensuring no one is left behind.
The program will distribute 100 trucks of assorted fertilisers to farmers across the state, free of charge, while an additional 110 trucks will be allocated to Local Government Areas, also at no cost. The governor urged beneficiaries to utilise these inputs efficiently, focusing on large-scale food production to achieve food sufficiency by the end of the rainy season.
The State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Abba Sani-Kalgo, highlighted the significance of this program and expressed appreciation for the governor’s support and assistance to the ministry and the farming community in the state.