Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
On Monday, Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu flagged off the free distribution of 23 trucks of assorted fertilizer and other agricultural inputs to irrigation farmers across the state’s 23 local government areas to promote food security.
The Governor, while flagging the distribution in Wamakko town, the headquarters of Wamakko local government area, said the State Government had earlier distributed various agricultural inputs during the last rainy season, including 45,366 bags of NPK, 24,264 bags of Urea, 20,664 liters of agrochemicals, and 20,000kg each of Rice, Sorghum, and Millet seeds to farmers across the state.
According to him, youth and women groups also received 1000 water pumps,23 Multipurpose threshers, 3000 Tomato grinding machines, and 58 Rice Thresher machines at no cost during the year 2024.
“We are also here today to distribute another set of inputs for dry-season farming, which would, in no small measure, continue to enhance the 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 dry-season farming.
“The idea is to ensure improved agricultural output in the state during the 2024 dry seasons, and by implication create job opportunities for our teeming youth,s especially at the grassroots.
“Distinguished audience, I would like to once again inform you that the Kware Irrigation Scheme covering 450 hectares has been completed and will soon be allocated to our farmers.
“Furthermore, works on the Wurno Irrigation Scheme have commenced in earnest, while the contract for the rehabilitation of the famous Lugu Dam has been awarded, and work will soon commence.
” I call on our serving and retired civil servants, politicians, businessmen and women, our teeming youths, and the entire people of the state to take advantage of the golden opportunities we provide in the Agricultural sector and participate in one or other form of Agricultural activity.
“Sokoto state government is currently in partnership with numerous National and international organizations to make the agricultural sector one of the best in the country.
“I assure you that the state government will continue to work diligently with the Federal Government and Development Partners to strengthen and enhance Agricultural productivity in the state, “the aim is not only diversifying our sources of revenue but also ensuring food security in our country.
“It is our firm belief that the only approach we can adopt to ensure improved living conditions for our people is by enhancing Agricultural productivity in the state.”
“Government will continue to provide all necessary support to the teeming farmers by providing farm inputs such as Agricultural machines, fertilizer, Agro chemicals seeds, and other support services.
“We will also, insha Allah, strengthen our farmers to produce cash crops, particularly cotton and Groundnuts.
“Let me also express our profound appreciation to development partners such as the World Bank, the Federal CARES Support unit, and the National Fadama coordination office, among others, for their continued support.
“I call on the beneficiaries of this gesture to ensure proper utilization of the support given to them so that the set target can be achieved.”
The Governor warned those entrusted with the responsibility of distributing the commodity not to betray the trust bestowed on them, as happened during the wet season exercise.
“Anyone who attempts to compromise or divert the product will 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 administration.”
