By Aliyu Galadima
Federal Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has commenced distribution of agricultural inputs to 200 cooperative groups of smallholder farmers across Taraba State.
Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, launched the initiative on Friday in Jalingo, saying the goal was to increase food production and strengthen Nigeria’s food security.
Represented by Mr Umar Mohammed, Assistant Director in the ministry, Kyari disclosed that more than 200 farmer groups were selected and all received the farming inputs completely free of charge.
Kyari warned the beneficiaries not to sell the inputs but to use them responsibly.
He stressed the importance of the initiative in achieving national food sustainability goals.
He explained that the beneficiaries included commodity groups, cooperatives, and persons with disabilities, women and youth associations, and other agricultural stakeholders across the state.
Kyari said the programme covered all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“It is part of a national push to support smallholder farmers with critical tools and resources.
“Items distributed include sprayers, water pumps, pesticides, fungicides, tillers, cocoa fertilisers, and improved seeds, among other vital inputs to aid crop cultivation and irrigation”.
Mr Joseph Ameri, Acting State Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Taraba, hailed the minister’s support and specific interest in the state’s agricultural potential.
Ameri described Taraba as an agricultural powerhouse, adding that the gesture would boost food production and improve the state’s role in national and regional agricultural output.
Mr Hassan Maikasuwa, Special Adviser to Gov. Agbu Kefas on Food Security, thanked the Federal Government for supporting farmers and aligning with the state’s agricultural vision.
Maikasuwa said the support complemented the governor’s efforts to restore Taraba’s position as one of Africa’s leading food producers.
He urged farmers to resist selling the inputs.
Mrs Janet Kuni, who represented Women in Agriculture, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government.
She noted the support will significantly enhance women’s contributions to food production.
Alhaji Muntari Garba, speaking for Avyi Multipurpose Group, commended the Federal Government and assured that members would not sell the inputs but used them to improve their yields.
Meanwhile, the Government also distributed agricultural inputs and equipment to smallholder farmers in Bauchi State.
Speaking at the inauguration of the distribution on Friday in Bauchi, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security ,FMFS, said the distribution is part of renewed efforts to boost food production.
“It is also to ensure food security in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda”, he said.
He reiterated that food security remained a national priority, stressing that the Tinubu administration declared a state of emergency on food security since July 2023.
Kyari, represented by Mr Kizito Gukas, Director General, Services of the Ministry, said the federal government is implementing reforms and short-term interventions to make essential inputs affordable and accessible to farmers.
According to him, the inputs distributed include herbicides, organic fertilizers, insecticide, fungicides, knapsack sprayers, growth enhancers, tomato seeds, power tillers, and water pumps.
These items, he said, would be distributed through 25 commodity associations, cooperatives, farmers with special needs, and internally displaced person.
He emphasised that the intervention aimed to support smallholder farmers constrained by the high cost of farm inputs, while also contributing to economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction.
“Our resolve is to transform the agricultural sector, improve productivity, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger”, Kyari added.
Dr Iliyasu Gital, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, commended the Federal Government for its support,
He noted that the state government also prioritised agriculture as a driver of food security.
Earlier, Hajiya Khadijatu Ishaku, state Coordinator of the FMFS, urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items.
She stated that only through proper utilisation would the nation achieve its food security objectives.
Speaking on behalf of the farmers, Malam Lawan Musa, Chairman of Dangulbi Farmers’ Cooperative Association, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government.
He described the intervention as a timely support that would boost food production.
The Chairman appealed for sustained assistance to local farmers to further strengthen food security in the country.
