Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, has inaugurated the distribution of free fertilizers and agricultural inputs to farmers across the state’s 23 local government areas to support dry-season farming.
Speaking at the event in Wamakko Local Government Area on Monday, the Governor emphasised that the initiative, which also targets women and youth, aims to ensure a bountiful harvest and enhance food security, with Allah’s blessings.
Aliyu said, “As you are aware, the Sokoto State Government had earlier distributed various agricultural inputs during last rainy season which included 45,366 bags of NPK, 24,264 bags of Urea, 20,664 liters of Agro chemicals and 20,000kg each of Rice, Sorghum and Millet seeds to farmers across the state.
“Similarly, youths and women groups received 1000 water pumps,23 Multipurpose threashers, 3000 Tomato grinding machines and 58 Rice Thresher machines at no cost. Alhamdulillah our efforts had yielded positive result.
“We are also here today to distribute another set of input for dry season farming which would in no small measure continue to enhance growth of food productivity in our State.
“Each of the 23 Local government areas of the State will this time receive 3 trucks of assorted fertilizer for the dry season farming”
He said the idea is to ensure improved agricultural output in the state during the 2024 dry seasons, and by implication create job opportunities to the teeming youths, especially at the grassroots.
He said, “In our bid to boost irrigation activities in the state, I would like to once again inform you that Kware Irrigation Scheme covering 450 hectares has been completed and will soon be allocated to our farmers.
“Furthermore, works in Wurno Irrigation Scheme has commenced in earnest, while ca ontract for the rehabilitation of the famous Lugu Dam has been awarded and work would soon commence”
The governor however calls on serving and retired civil servants, politicians, Business men and women, youths and the entire people of the state to take advantage of the golden opportunities bus administration is providing in the Agricultural sector and participate in one form of Agricultural activity or the other to be self-reliant and enhance economic growth in the State.
He said the state government is currently in partnership with numerous National and international organizations to make the agricultural sector one of the best in the country.
He said, “Let me at this juncture assure you that the state government will continue to work diligently with the Federal Government and Development Partners so as to strengthen and enhance Agricultural productivity in the state. This is with the aim of not only diversifying our sources of revenue but also ensuring food security in our great country.
“It is our firm belief that the only approach we can adopt to ensure improved living condition of our people is by enhancing Agricultural productivity in the state. The government will continue to provide all necessary support to the teeming farmers through the provision of farm inputs such as Agricultural machines, fertilizer, Agro chemical seeds and other support services.
“We would Insha Allah strengthen our farmers to go into cash crops production particularly, cotton and Groundnut”
He however expressed his profound appreciation to the development partners such as the World Bank, the Federal CARES Support unit, and the National Fadama coordination office among others for their continued support at all times.
He called on the beneficiaries of the gesture to ensure proper utilization of the support given to them so that the set target could be achieved.
“To those entrusted with the responsibility of Distributing the 2024 fertilizer to the Dry Season Farmers. I strongly warn you not to betray the trust bestowed on you like what happened during the wet season exercise.
“We have taken all necessary measures to ensure that any attempt to compromise or divert the product would this time be dealt with decisively.
“I advise you in your interest to have the fear of Allah and allow the masses to enjoy the full benefit of this gesture by our government”. he said,