As part of efforts to ensure availability of staple food in Nigeria amidst the dwindling global resources and food shortages, the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has distributed agricultural inputs to farmers in three states. The states are Abia state, in the Southeast zone, Kebbi and Yobe states, both in Northwest geo-political zone of the country.
The accredited beneficiaries of the program received high grade fertiliser, herbicides and improved maize seeds for Abia and Yobe states while beneficiaries from Kebbi received improved rice seeds.
Paul Ikonne, the Executive Secretary of NALDA who led the team in Abia state noted that the input distribution is aimed at assisting farmers across the country to maximise crop cultivation for improved yields and increased food production.
Ikonne in a statement said that the program was in furtherance of the government’s mandate in ensuring that Nigerians can produce what they consume, while promoting availability of affordable foods.
H said, “The essence of what we’re doing here today is to ensure Nigerians understand the importance of farming, make sure we produce what we eat and to reduce the price of food in the market. We are expecting nothing less than 340 hectares to be cultivated by these farmers.” That should contribute a great deal into the efforts at ensuring that there is abundant food production in the country to address the current global food insecurity, as it affects Nigeria. The NALDA boss also gave an assurance that the authorities will not relent in giving further support as they will follow up on the farmers.
He continued, “NALDA will continue to support with agricultural inputs on a regular basis, the contact details of all the beneficiaries have been captured in the agency’s database for follow-up assistance and more farmers will be added to the list from time to time.”
The NALDA boss said the empowerment programme is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to agency to reach out to farmers across the country to ensure they produce food while helping the country achieve food sufficiency. He said that all efforts are geared towards cushioning the effect of high cost of living in the country and working to achieve the objective of the state of emergency declared by President Tinubu on food last year.
He said, “The empowerment of farmers by NALDA is a continuous exercise to encourage more Nigerians go into farming to ensure self-sufficiency in food production thus boosting food security for the teeming population.”
Azeezat Jimoh, women Leader of Yoruba community in Abia state appreciated NALDA and the government for the gesture. She promised that the beneficiaries will put in the needed efforts to ensure they produce enough food.
