To boost agriculture in Bauchi state, the North East Development Commission (NEDC), in collaboration with the Lobito Group for Asiwaju Farmers, has distributed 256 farm implements and inputs across the three senatorial zones of the state.
Speaking at the distribution ceremony over the weekend in Bauchi, NEDC representative, Sulaiman Aliyu, stated that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s agricultural policies.
He noted that the implements and machines would significantly boost agricultural production in the state.
Aliyu emphasised that this effort aims to enhance food security and create wealth among farmers.
Also speaking, the state coordinator of the LOBITO group, Alhaji Usman Yau-Darazo explained that the distribution targets the dedicated members of the Lobito farmers cooperative, spanning all 20 local government areas with 10 beneficiaries from each.
Yau-Darazo emphasised that the initiative demonstrates a commitment to decentralised agricultural support and fostering independence among local cooperatives, ensuring every farmer can maximise productivity and efficiency.
He added that the tools would help increase the average crop yield of farmers in the state and urged recipients to use them effectively to boost productivity and enhance income.
The distribution tools include tractors, rice millers, multi-purpose threshers, hammer mills, power tillers, de-stoners, walking tractors, rotary tillers, iron bull tractors, iron disc ploughs, and high-pressure water pumps.
Meanwhile, a beneficiary, Malam Musa Birshi, expressed his gratitude, noting that the machines would reduce the drudgery associated with harvesting and processing farm produce.
He commended the Lobito Group and NEDC for procuring and distributing the machines, stating that they would significantly reduce stress and production costs while minimising wastage.