The Kebbi state government has targeted production of 150,000 metric tons of potatoes under its Residual Moisture Crop Production Scheme.
The programme, an initiative of Gov. Nasir Idris, is designed to assist farmers affected by the 2024 devastating floods, to recoup their investments and resume normal life.
The state government supported the affected farmers to engage in crop production at Raha, Bahindin Bagogo and Mayama in Bunza, Bagudo and Maiyama Local Government Areas of the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Shehu Ma’azu said this on Saturday during an inspection of potato plantations at Raha village in Bunza LGA.
He said the state government distributed fertilisers, improved seeds and chemicals to the farmers, to enable them to cultivate potatoes, cassava and maize.
“We set out to engage 10,000 farmers, as at today, we have about 16,000 farmers that are engaging in potatoes, cassava and maize production.
“We are expecting at least 15 tones per hectre of potatoes, so, if you multiply 15 by 10,000, you arrive at the total number.
“The essence is to bring psychological relief to the farmers for them to feel that the government indentified with them, and they could live after the devastation caused by the floods,” he said.
Ma’azu attributed the flooding in the state to overflowing of the River Zamfara, a main tributary of River Niger.
He said that the governor had notified the Federal Ministry of Agriculture over the disaster in the state, and stressed the need to change the pains of the people to gains.
“We went back and brainstorm in the ministry and agreed that we should use the residual moisture left behind by the flood to produce early maturing crops such as potatoes, cassava and in some places maize,
“The governor gave us all the support needed to encourage the affected farmers to go into crops production.
“We are here today, to see what they planted and some of them have started harvesting their potatoes. This is a very good omen for us,”he said.
While appreciating the response of the participating communities, Mu’azu said the ministry had organised a stakeholders’ engagement to fasttrack successful implementation of the programme.
“You can see, from here to Mungadi to Mayalo, it’s about seven to ten kilometres, there are potatoes all over, indicating acceptability of the programme,” he said.
Ma’azu said the state government would develop a potato value chain to ensure sustainability, and encourage farmers to produce more for greater economic benefits.
NAN
