The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has commenced the distribution of essential agricultural inputs to farmers across Abia, Kebbi, and Yobe states, as part of a broader strategy to enhance the federal government’s food security agenda and support farmers nationwide in optimizing crop cultivation for increased yields and enhanced food production,leadership reports.
Under this initiative, farmers in Abia and Yobe states have received fertilizers, herbicides, and high-quality seeds, including maize, while those in Kebbi have been provided with rice seeds. Each farmer is expected to utilize these inputs to cover half a hectare of farmland.
In Abia, the distribution event took place at the NALDA Institute of Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship, where beneficiaries from all local governments, including nominees from the state government and various farmers’ associations, received their packages.
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Prince Paul Ikonne, the Executive Secretary of NALDA, led the distribution and highlighted the significance of the program, ensuring continued support to the farmers. He mentioned that the contact details of the beneficiaries have been documented for ongoing assistance and that the list of supported farmers will expand progressively.
According to Ikonne, the initiative is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring adequate and affordable food for all Nigerians. He anticipates that the farmers will cultivate approximately 340 hectares collectively.
The beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the government’s support and pledged to exert their utmost efforts to increase food production.
Local officials, such as Honourable Manir Abubakar, the chairman of Ngaski local government area in Kebbi State, commended NALDA’s contributions and urged farmers to utilize the inputs for farming purposes rather than resale.
In Yobe State, the NALDA team, led by the Director of Finance, Suleiman Lawal, educated beneficiaries on the optimal utilization of the inputs to maximize yields. Lawal emphasized that the empowerment program is a direct response to President Tinubu’s directive for NALDA to engage with farmers nationwide and support them in contributing to the country’s food self-sufficiency.
He reiterated President Tinubu’s declaration of a food emergency and anticipated a significant reduction in food prices in the coming months as a result of NALDA’s efforts.
The empowerment of farmers by NALDA is an ongoing initiative aimed at encouraging more Nigerians to engage in farming to achieve self-sufficiency in food production, thereby enhancing food security for the growing population.
