Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has flagged off the free distribution of agricultural inputs and equipment to smallholder farmers’ associations in the state under the federal government’s all-year-round farming initiative.
The launch, which took place in Niger State, is expected to benefit 31 selected cooperatives, including women and people with special needs. The farmer Governor said the initiative would go a long way in supporting smallholder farmers and boosting food production.
Governor Bago expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent support in promoting agriculture, describing the initiative as a step toward achieving national food security and sovereignty. He said, “The all-year-round farming initiative of the federal government will greatly encourage farmers and make them self-sustaining, thereby achieving its food security and sovereignty agenda.”
The Governor also commended the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security for selecting Niger State as a pilot state for the implementation of the programme and other federal agricultural policies.
He explained that the support of the federal government would complement the state’s agricultural efforts. According to him, “The support of the federal government will enhance what the state government is already doing on agriculture, and it would address 50% of the challenges of the farmers.”
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, said the free distribution of farm inputs to smallholder farmers represents one of President Tinubu’s robust agricultural policies aimed at supporting all-year-round farming in Nigeria.
He stated, “The president’s food policies align with numerous economic reforms to stimulate productive capacity in the country, create jobs, and reduce cost of living, while also guaranteeing inclusivity.” He further disclosed that the ministry is implementing several programmes and projects to sustain agriculture and ensure food sovereignty.
Sen. Abdullahi also praised Governor Bago for his commitment to agriculture, describing Niger State as a model and pilot location for federal agricultural programmes.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, explained that at least 35% of the distributed inputs were targeted at women farmers in line with the National Gender Policy on Agriculture.
He noted that the ministry was working with sub-national governments, farmers’ cooperatives, and the private sector to ensure that only genuine farmers benefit. He urged the beneficiaries to make effective use of the distributed items.
Representatives of the Niger State Ministry of Agriculture, the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), the Nigeria Association of Women in Agriculture, and groups representing people with special needs delivered goodwill messages.
They commended both the state and federal governments for supporting agricultural development and providing opportunities that encourage citizens to engage in farming, noting that the assistance has made them more self-reliant.
Among the items distributed were herbicides, liquid fertilisers, pesticides, growth enhancers, power tillers, water pumps for irrigation, grinding machines, and tricycles.