From Suleiman Abubakar
Governor Abdullahi Sule has flagged off the sales of 660 metric tons, amounting to 13,200 bags of assorted fertilizers and other farm inputs for the 2024 dry season farming across Nasarawa State.
Governor Sule flagged off the exercise at a ceremony held at the premises of the Nasarawa State Agricultural Development Programme (NADP) on Tuesday.
He said the gesture was in furtherance of the commitment of his administration to improve agricultural production for an all-round farming season.
The Governor announced that the fertilizers would be sold to farmers across all 13 local government areas simultaneously at the subsidized rate of N12,000 per bag.
"This is intended to enhance the efforts of our teeming farmers to improve agricultural productivity and value chain addition in the State," he stated.
He reiterated that his administration accords topmost priority to the agricultural sector because it is the major occupation of the people of the state.
Governor Sule, however, warned against racketeering, stressing that those charged with handling the fertilizer sales would be held responsible if it was discovered that the farmers are being shortchanged.
He explained that, in a bid to ensure seamless sales of the commodities, the state government has put in place committees at the local government and development areas comprising council chairmen, representatives of traditional rulers, farmers' associations, police, civil defense, DSS, as well as a director from the Ministry of Agriculture to serve as members while a representative of the Ministry of Agriculture is to serve as secretary.
"Coordinators at various levels are to ensure remittance of sales to the designated bank account as any misappropriation will be met with appropriate sanctions," he further warned.
The Governor also cautioned individuals and groups against purchasing the commodity and selling the same to farmers at exorbitant rates.
He reemphasized the determination of his administration towards ensuring that the agricultural potentials of the state are fully harnessed for the benefit of the people.
He noted that the state government facilitated the establishment of the Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Development Institute (AMEDI) by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), aimed at showcasing new farming techniques in agricultural processing, as well as transforming the agricultural sector into an industrial hub through job creation, youth empowerment, and skills acquisition for value addition.
The Governor added that, and as a result of the abundant fertile agricultural lands, the state has already attracted investors such as Olam Nig. Ltd, Dangote Group, Azman Rice, Flour Mills Nig. Ltd, amongst other investors to the state.
Chairman, Nasarawa State chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Chief Isaac Kigbu, appreciated the Governor for his overwhelming commitment to the agricultural sector and the welfare of farmers in Nasarawa State.
The AFAN chairman described the event as a testament to the understanding of the pivotal role agriculture plays in the economy of the state.
Chief Kigbu particularly commended the Fadama program of the administration, which has become a beacon of hope for farmers in the state as it provides essential resources and timely opportunities that enhance productivity.
Among the top dignitaries who witnessed the event include the state Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, members of the state executive council, Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State, Barrister Mohammed Ubandoma Aliyu Chairman of ALGON/Lafia Local Government Area, Hon. Aminu Muazu Maifata, the Emir of Lafia, HRH Justice Sidi Bage Mohammed (rtd) amongst others.
