The Yobe State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources has announced strengthened verification procedures to guarantee that subsidised farming inputs only reach legitimate farmers. 

During a tour of dry-season farms in the Bade and Jakusko local government districts’ Gogaram, Usur, and Dawayau settlements, the vow was made.

Commissioner Alhaji Ali Goniri said in a statement on Thursday that Governor Mai Mala Buni has mandated that qualifying for the program depends on documentation of actual farming activities. 

“Gov. Mai Mala Buni has directed that only verified farmers receive inputs under the 2025 Agriculture Empowerment Programme,” he clarified.

Goniri noted that the 2024 rollout saw 5,340 farmers benefit from some 77,000 assorted inputs, and expressed confidence in surpassing that milestone this year. In 2024, 5,340 farmers received around 77,000 assorted inputs. 

“We plan to exceed that figure in 2025,” he stated, adding that any applicant must now demonstrate genuine agricultural engagement before receiving support.

He outlined the range of available inputs—tractors, solar-powered irrigation pumps, ploughs, tillers, sprayers, planters, fertiliser, and agrochemicals. 

He said the distribution will be calibrated to the scale of cultivation in each area.

Commissioner Goniri said that rice growers Nasiru Umar and Auwal Mohammed would each receive a dedicated borehole after being pleased by the irrigation projects in Gogaram during the inspections. Mohammed thanked the state authorities, stating that the assistance “will inspire me to further invest in rice farming.”

The Ministry’s new verification procedure is anticipated to stop leaks and guarantee that resources support Yobe’s agricultural output before the major planting season.

Source: Politics Nigeria 

Image Credit: Yobe State Ministry Of Finance and Economic Development