ASHENEWS reports that the Niger state Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago on Tuesday presented the 2024 budget which he tagged “Budget for the Future” to the state House of Assembly.
The Governor said that in 2024, his administration would give priority to agriculture to harness the vast arable land and abundant water resources of the state which the Governor said can make the state become a major agricultural hub in Nigeria.
In its bid to harness its agricultural potential and improve the livelihoods of its rural population, Bago announced a series of initiatives aimed at promoting food security, rural development, and livestock management.
The government plans to leverage its comparative advantage in agriculture by providing farmers with improved agricultural inputs, expanding cultivation areas, offering extension services, providing tractors, and attracting donor support to the sector.
To this end, the government is proposing to invest a sum of N43.5 billion in the agricultural sector to attract at least one billion US dollars of investment to the state which is in tandem with the government’s commitment to maximise and fully harness its green economy potentials.
This commitment, according to the Governor, is reflected in the allocation of funds for buffer stock initiatives, which will address fluctuations in food prices by purchasing assorted grains.
In the coming fiscal year of 2024, the Governor said that 300 units of MF375 Power Steering Tractors will be procured .
“In the 2024 fiscal year, the government will procure equipment and machinery including 300 units of MF375 Power Steering Tractors, and farm implements as well as fertilizers for farmer to engender farm level productivity.
“In addition we shall embark on massive development of 250,000 hectares of land for cultivation across the 25 LGAs. Furthermore, irrigation support will be provided to communities to ensure all-year farming activities as well as fertilizers for better yield.
“The Niger State Agricultural Mechanization Authority (NAMDA) will be repositioned to enable it effectively undertake its agricultural extension mandate and support farmers in all ramifications.”
Bago also said that a massive development project spanning 250,000 hectares of land across all 25 Local Government Areas will be undertaken while the provision of irrigation support and fertilizers will ensure year-round farming activities and higher crop yields.
In addressing challenges faced by pastoralists and promoting peaceful coexistence between nomads and farmers, the Governor disclosed plans of the government to establish a data bank for nomads and pastoralists and construct milk collection centers across the state.
He said that pilot ranches and grazing reserves will also be established, with specific community ranches planned for Hamdalla (Lapai LGA), Kungu Fulani (Bosso LGA), and Rungan Ardo Sanda (Wushishi LGA) adding that the Ministry of Nomadic Affairs has been allocated N700 million for capital expenditure.
The comprehensive plans unveiled by the Niger State government demonstrate its commitment to agricultural growth, rural development, and harmonious livestock management.
These initiatives, if effectively implemented, have the potential to transform the state’s economy and improve the lives of its citizens.
