The Federal Government has distributed farm inputs to smallholder farmers in Ebonyi State to boost agricultural productivity and ensure food security across Nigeria.
In Abakaliki, Mr Ikemefuna Ezeaja, the Assistant Director of Communication in the Ministry, conducted the event on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari.
Kyari stated that the distribution aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the declaration of a state of emergency on food security made in July 2023.
He noted that the initiative demonstrates the administration’s strong political will to reposition the agricultural sector by empowering genuine farmers with the tools and resources needed to increase production and reduce poverty.
“This administration has made food security a priority and is supporting smallholder farmers with inputs and equipment to boost agricultural production and ensure national food security,” the minister said.
According to Kyari, the inputs distributed include herbicides, fertilisers, FARO 44 rice seeds, knapsack sprayers, water pumps, plastic crates, electronic weighing scales, and other essential farming materials.
He explained that the items were handed over through commodity associations, cooperative groups, bodies representing farmers with special needs, and internally displaced persons (IDPs), ensuring inclusivity and transparency.
Dr William Obazi, the Ministry’s Coordinator in Ebonyi, revealed that cooperative societies and farmers’ associations have been carefully registered to ensure the inputs reach genuine farmers rather than middlemen or political beneficiaries.
“The minister has made it clear that agriculture is a real business and every Nigerian should face it with vigour so that food will be available, affordable, and even surplus for export,” Obazi said.
Also speaking, Mr Chinedu Nwigwe, Chairman of Chiamaka Cooperative Society, said the support would encourage farmers to engage in year-round production.
“With these inputs, many farmers will farm all year and ensure food is available. Already, staple foods such as garri and rice are becoming more affordable in the local market,” Nwigwe added.
Source: NAN
Image Credit: FRCN
