In a bid to enhance agricultural productivity and support local farmers, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Southern Borno, has launched a fertilizer distribution initiative, providing 12,000 bags of NPK fertilizer to nine Local Government Areas (LGAs) within his constituency.
The distribution, which is aimed at improving food security and fostering grassroots economic development, was flagged off in Bayo LGA during the weekend.
Ndume, a long-time advocate for agriculture, emphasized the vital role of farming in the lives of his constituents, most of whom rely on agriculture as their primary livelihood.
Through this initiative, he intends to address one of the biggest challenges farmers face, including limited access to essential farming inputs, such as fertilizer.
While speaking at the event, Ndume, who was represented by former Deputy Governor of Borno State, Hon. Ali Abubakar Jatau, underscored the timeliness of the intervention as the region prepares for the peak of the farming season.
He urged the beneficiaries to make full use of the fertilizer to improve their crop yields and elevate their living standards.
“As a farmer myself, I understand the struggles our people face. This initiative is not just about distributing fertilizer, but ensuring that our hardworking farmers are empowered to thrive despite the challenges they encounter,” Ndume said.
The senator’s commitment to advancing agriculture in Borno South goes beyond just distributing fertilizers.
He also spoke about his earlier work in establishing the “Ndume Sustainable Farming” program, an initiative focused on enhancing farming practices in the region. Looking forward, Ndume expressed his intention to expand the focus of the program to include irrigation farming, thereby promoting year-round agricultural productivity.
“By focusing on irrigation and dry farming, we are creating sustainable agricultural practices that will ensure food security and economic growth for our people,” Ndume added.
Additionally, he reassured the public that more farmers would be included in future phases of the program, with a special focus on those interested in irrigation farming.
Hon. Haruna Bakafada, Chairman of Bayo LGA, praised Senator Ndume for his continued support of grassroots development, highlighting the critical impact of the fertilizer distribution at a time when farmers are grappling with soaring input costs.
“Senator Ndume has always been a champion of the people. His tireless efforts to improve the welfare of the farming community are commendable. This initiative is a huge relief, and we will continue to support him in every way possible,” Bakafada said.
The Chairman of the Fertilizer Distribution Committee, Alhaji Adamu Timta, further emphasized the importance of ensuring that the fertilizer reaches the right hands.
He announced the establishment of a Monitoring Committee, led by Dr. Buba Tunga, to oversee the fair distribution process. Timta also revealed that the monitoring teams would be present in all nine LGAs, ensuring transparency and accountability in the exercise.
“The monitoring committee is on the ground to ensure that this important initiative is implemented with the utmost fairness,” Timta stated.
