By Ahmed Ahmed
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has on Wednesday inaugurated a committee for the distribution of the seventy trucks of assorted fertilizer donated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to farmers in the state
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Bauchi, Mohammed said the donation came through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
He commended FG for the gesture, saying it would go a long way in supporting farmers at the grassroots to boost their farming activities thereby enhancing production in the state.
Mohammed said on his part, the state government has since embarked on the sale of NPK fertilizer for 2024 farming season at subsidised rate of twenty thousand naira per bag.
“With a directive to the relevant agencies to ensure that, the commodities are made available to farmers across the 20 LGAs of the State.
The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Auwal Jatau, said his government distributed 20 units of tractors, 94 Rice Milling machines, 47 Groundnut decorticating machines,
“47 Multipurpose trashes, 470 Knapsack Sprayers, six Animal Feed Crushers and 20 Tricycles to assist eligible farmers for 2024 farming season.
“The Government also supported 10 communities through a community Revolving Fund (CRF), with each beneficiary getting a Cheque of US $25,000:00, making a total of Two Hundred and fifty thousand dollars (US $250,000:00) through the state’s ACReSAL Funds,” he said.
According to him, All these efforts are geared at complementing the effort of the Federal Government towards food security in our dear state and the country in general.
“In an effort to consolidate our agricultural transformation initiative, my Government is planning to acquire heavy-duty agricultural equipment to raise the level of agricultural production and ensure food security in the State.” Mohammed said.
He explained that the committee’s terms of reference include designing criteria for the selection of genuine farmers and farmers’ associations.
“To ensure fair distribution of the assorted fertilizer to the benefiting farmers and to submit a report to the State Government within three weeks.
The Governor assured that his administration would properly harness and utilize the abundant natural resources for the overall economic development of the state.
Responding, Chairman of the committee, Alh. Nuhu Wabi, Emir of Jama’are expressed gratitude to the state government for finding them worthy to serve in the committee, with promises to ensure justice and equity in the distribution process.