The Yobe state government has commenced the distribution of multi-billion naira agricultural equipment, assorted seeds, and agrochemicals procured for the State Agricultural Empowerment Programme in five local government areas of Zone A, covering 53 wards. Zone B and C senatorial districts will follow after the completion of Zone A.
A statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by Mamman Mohammed, Director General of Press to Governor Mai Mala Buni, disclosed that the distribution commenced on Wednesday in Yunusari, Geidam, Bursari, Tarmuwa, and Gulani local government areas, covering 1,590 farmers, and will continue in Gujba and Damaturu.
Over 1,060 male farmers in the five local government areas were provided free of charge with 159 hand ploughs, 159 powered hand tillers, 212 multi-purpose threshers, 530 solar-powered pumps, 3,180 bags of fertiliser, 530 hand push planters, 1,060 knapsack sprayers, 10,600 kg of assorted seeds, and 10,600 litres of agro-chemicals, among other items. Additionally, 530 female beneficiaries received three small ruminants each.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, performed the ceremonial launch of the multi-billion-naira equipment procured by the Yobe state government to boost food security and economic growth.
Yobe state Governor Mai Mala Buni said that a total of over 5,300 farmers across the 178 wards in the 17 local government areas are to benefit from the empowerment programme to improve agricultural productivity, ensure food sufficiency and security, and stimulate economic growth.
The governor warned against the abuse of tractors, vehicles, and motorcycles for extension services, and the selling of the equipment, directing security agencies to impound and arrest persons moving the equipment out of the state.
Meanwhile, beneficiaries of the empowerment programme commended Governor Buni for the initiative and support in helping farmers cultivate their food needs and improve their economy.
Babagana Ali, a beneficiary from Yunusari, said the support would enable him to expand his farmland for more food cultivation.
Musa Aliyu in Geidam said he is cultivating his farm now in the rainy season and would also engage in irrigation with the assistance of the equipment given to him.
Hajj Fanna Modu in Bursari could not hide her joy after receiving the ruminants: “Thank you, Governor Buni. I am sure my grandchildren will benefit from these goats given to me,” she said while dancing in celebration.
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