Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe has called on women to engage more in dry season farming and make use of the agricultural extension workers available in their communities.
Balarabe disclosed this on Tuesday in Laguna at the presentation of empowerment materials and equipment to 85 women’s groups in Agribusiness and cooperatives in the state.
She explained that dry season farming does not only augment earnings but offers better prices.
“I am certain that many women are not aware of this, probably due to lack of access to guidance services from extension workers.
According to her, “today’s distribution of agricultural inputs and implements received from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to our women agricultural cooperatives, will go a long way in complementing what we are doing in Kaduna State.”
She said some of the items the 85 women’s groups will receive include improved seeds of rice, maize, cow pea and groundnut, implements like wheelbarrows, basic hand tools that will help to ease their work on the farms and increase their farm yields per hectare.
The Deputy Governor promised that women economic vulnerability in Kaduna state shall soon become a thing of the past.
She also noted that the government engages in gender-sensitive budgeting in a manner that made women empowerment a priority.
Balarabe added that the government will not relent in its efforts until the narrative of women changes from being the poorest of the poor.
She also expressed the state government’s appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs for this strategic support while assuring that the inputs shall be distributed to the right people.
She congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to make judicious use of the seeds and materials.
On her part, Hajiya Hafsat Baba, the Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, reiterated the State government’s determination to consistently make women’s empowerment a priority.
She said government is determined, through financial literacy and inclusion, to create access to participation in all forms and ensure adequate gender-sensitive budgeting for the State.
“The goal for us would be to help women access the knowledge, tools, and connections they need to achieve greater economic independence.
“This is because when women have access, they can contribute to improving the agricultural productivity of family farms, engage in processing and marketing activities, and increase their voice in household decisions,” she said.
Baba noted that Kaduna State will continue to provide targeted support for improved livelihoods of women to alleviate poverty and provide the needed support.
Also speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Hussaini Ibrahim, said the support for women came at the right time because agriculture is the new priority for the Federal Government.
He said the gesture will complement the efforts of the state government to improve agricultural production and women empowerment.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Hajiya Hajara Abbas, member of Kwarbai Cooperative Society, commended the state and federal governments for the support and assured that,the items will be used judiciously.