The Adamawa State Government says it has invested N2 billion in the procurement of agricultural inputs ahead of the farming season to curb food insecurity in the state.
The state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. David Jatau disclosed this in an interview with newsmen on Monday in Yola.
Jatau said the initiative would boost the agriculture sector by providing farmers and youths with essential farm inputs as they prepared for the season.
He said the inputs would be distributed across the 21 local government areas (LGAs), as part of the government’s agricultural intervention programme.
“One of the key policies of the government is the development of 300 hectares of farmland in each local government area, to be allocated to 300 youths to farm.
“They will receive inputs such as fertilisers, seeds, and pesticides at subsidised rates, and would retain the entire proceeds of their harvests,” he said.
Jatau said the government had previously supported farmers through the supply of fertilisers, seeds, and pesticides, adding that this time, the support would be given earlier.
“Already, 10,000 bags of assorted fertilisers are on ground and ready for distribution.
“The programme has already commenced in six LGAs, including; Madagali, Michika, Hong, Maiha, Demsa, and Ganye.
“By next year, during the rainy season, we will extend the programme to the remaining LGAs.
“Once fully implemented, we expect a significant reduction in youth unemployment,” he said.
The commissioner noted that many youths in the state were willing to engage in farming but lacked the necessary capital.
According to him, the rising rate of violence and criminality in the state is a fallout of hunger and lack of empowerment.
“So many youths want to go to the farm, but they lack the capital.
“That is why the Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, intervened by providing farm inputs and empowering the jobless youths.
“The initiative is expected to increase crop yields, improve food security, and enhance the livelihoods of citizens,” the commissioner stated.
He explained that the programme would also include training farmers on climate-smart agriculture.
He said farmers would be trained on soil testing, identifying soil texture, and selecting the appropriate quantity and type of fertiliser to ensure optimal yield.
Jatau also acknowledged the contributions of many organisations supporting the state’s agricultural sector, especially the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC).
He said the NEDC had donated various hand-held agricultural machines such as harvesters, planters, and cultivators, which would be distributed to cooperative societies ahead of the farming season.
Jatau further noted that the state government’s partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), would also enhance productivity at the community level.
NAN
