The federal government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has commenced the distribution of agricultural inputs to 200 cooperative groups of smallholder farmers across Taraba State.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, launched the initiative on Friday in Jalingo, stating that the aim is to increase food production and strengthen Nigeria’s food security.
Represented by Umar Mohammed, an assistant director in the ministry, Mr Kyari disclosed that more than 200 farmer groups were carefully selected and all received the farming inputs free of charge. He urged beneficiaries not to sell the items but to use them responsibly for crop cultivation.
“This programme is designed to support food sustainability goals across the country,” he said, explaining that beneficiaries included commodity groups, cooperatives, persons with disabilities, women associations, youth associations, and other agricultural stakeholders across the state. He added that the programme also covers all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the minister, the items distributed include sprayers, water pumps, pesticides, fungicides, tillers, cocoa fertilisers, and improved seeds, among other vital inputs to aid cultivation and irrigation.
Joseph Ameri, acting state coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Taraba, praised the minister’s commitment and highlighted Taraba as an agricultural powerhouse. He said the support would boost food production and strengthen the state’s contribution to both national and regional agricultural output.
Hassan Maikasuwa, special adviser to Governor Agbu Kefas on food security, thanked the federal government for aligning with the state’s agricultural vision and supporting farmers directly.
Also speaking, Janet Kuni, who represented women in agriculture, expressed gratitude to the federal government, noting that the assistance will significantly improve women’s participation and contributions to food production in Taraba State.
