Some of the beneficiaries (farmers)
By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
The Borno State Government, in collaboration with the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, has launched the distribution of crop production inputs for the 2024 rainy season.
The event, which took place in Dusuman, Jere Local Government Area, aims to support 26,750 farmers in the North East region, with a focus on Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and Taraba States.
Governor Babagana Zulum, represented by Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur, expressed appreciation for FAO’s support and emphasized the importance of collaboration to address development challenges.
The distribution includes assorted improved seeds and fertilizer, targeting subsistence and small-scale farmers, with half of the beneficiaries from Borno State alone.
The Governor noted that agriculture is crucial to the state’s economy and that the distribution will encourage farmers to engage in farming activities and improve their livelihoods.
He said: “the inputs being distributed today include assorted improved seeds of cereals, legumes, maize and vegetables as well as bags of wet-blended NPK fertilizer which the distribution center s aimed at targeting subsistence and small-scale farmers, numbering about 26,750 of them in Borno, Adamawa, Yobe and Taraba States where about half of the beneficiaries are however from Borno State alone.
“The Borno State Government is indeed aware of the strategic role being played by the Food and Agricultural Organization, particularly in assisting victims of the insurgency and in our collective efforts to bring about viable and sustainable peace and security in the State.
“As you are aware, Borno State is essentially an agrarian State and majority of the people are engaged in various aspect of agricultural activities. The inputs being distributed today include assorted improved seeds of cereals, legumes, maize and vegetables as well as bags of wet-blended NK fertilizer.
“The distribution aims at targeting subsistence and small-scale farmers, numbering about 26,750 of them in Borno, Adamawa, Yobe and Taraba States. About half of the beneficiaries are however from Borno State alone.
“The Borno State Government is indeed aware of the strategic role being played by the Food and Agricultural Organization, particularly in assisting victims of the insurgency and in our collective efforts to bring about viable and sustainable peace and security in the State.
“Government would continue to solicit the cooperation of international organisations, especially our international partners and non-governmental bodies in our determined efforts to address the multifarious challenges of development confronting the state, with a view to improving the well-being and livelihood of our people.
“As you are aware, Borno State is essentially an agrarian State and majority of the people are engaged in various aspect of agricultural activities. The distribution of these crop production inputs will therefore encourage our farmers to be more determined in engaging in farming activities and towards having a reliable and dependable means of livelihood.
“I would, at this juncture, like to express our profound gratitude and sincere appreciation to the Food and Agriculture Organisation for their invaluable support and cooperation in the State Governments unquestionable determination to make our farmers self-reliant and ensure viable and sustainable food security in the State.
” Agricultural production is one of the cardinal policies of our Ten-Pact Agenda, which has also been strategically captured in the 25-year Development Plan and the ten-year Strategic Transformation Initiative.
“This administration is therefore ever ready and willing to improve not only the overall agricultural productivity in the State, but also to enhance the general standard of our rural farmers who constitute the majority of our teeming population”, he said.
FAO Representative Dominique Koffy Kouacou, highlighted the organization’s commitment to strengthening resilience capacity and rebuilding livelihoods in the region.
At the launch of the 2024 Rainy Season Input Distribution in Northeast Nigeria with the Theme:,” Good Prospects for Improving Food Security”, Kouacou, said ,”It is with gratitude and a sense of fulfillment that I address you today as we Launch the 2024 rainy season farm inputs distribution in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.”
The 2024 intervention in Borno State will benefit 9,975 households across 7 Local Government Areas, aiming to mitigate food insecurity and build resilience among conflict-affected returnee households.
The Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Baawo, appreciated FAO’s support and highlighted the state government’s efforts to mechanize agriculture and increase food production.
The event demonstrates the successful collaboration between the Borno State Government and FAO to improve food security and livelihoods in the region.
The distribution of crop production inputs is a significant step towards achieving sustainable food security and promoting agricultural development in the state.
