FG Empowers 250 Bauchi Farmers To Boost Production

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) says it has empowered 250 farmers in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning to
boost agricultural production in Bauchi State.

Temitope Fashedemi, permanent secretary of the ministry, who spoke at the opening ceremony of a one-day training and distribution of farm inputs said the collaboration between the two ministries was an effort to reduce poverty in Nigeria

“The level of poverty in Nigeria is alarming. An estimated population of 88.4 million people in Nigeria are living in extreme poverty,” he said.

The permanent secretary, represented by Daniel Abarshi, state coordinator of the ministry in Bauchi, said the initiative was under the Federal Government’s National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS).

“Today marks a significant milestone in our collective commitment to uplifting the lives of our smallholder farmers and fostering sustainable agricultural practices.

“The NPRGS in collaboration with the Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Service (FDAE) has diligently enumerated and validated approximately 250 farmers for participation in this transformative programme.

“These farmers are not just the backbone of our agricultural sector; they form the heartbeat of our nation’s prosperity.

“The NPRGS reflects our government’s dedication to addressing poverty at its roots, emphasising the pivotal role agriculture plays in economic growth and development.

He explained that through initiatives of training and empowerment programmes, they were sowing the seeds of positive change.

“We are ensuring that smallholder farmers have the knowledge, resources and support needed to thrive in an ever-evolving agricultural landscape.

“This programme is not merely an investment in agriculture; it is an investment in the future of our nation.

“As we equip these farmers with the tools to enhance productivity, improve resilience, and embrace sustainable practices, we are laying the foundation for a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector,” the permanent secretary said.

NAN reports that farm inputs distributed include sprayer, herbicides, fish feeds, 25 one-day-old broilers and improved seeds of maize, rice, pepper and tomatoes. Farmers were trained on crop enterprises, fisheries and poultry.

Mohammed Salihu, a director in the state ministry of agriculture applauded the federal government empowerment programmes, saying that the state had benefited severally from series of interventions

Salihu urged beneficiaries to make good use of the knowledge acquired at the training, and cautioned them against selling the inputs.