Governor has distributed fertilisers, farm inputs and equipment to support dry-season farming across Zamfara State, as part of efforts to boost food production and strengthen livelihoods.
The distribution was officially launched on Thursday at the Fadama III facility of the Ministry of Agriculture in Gusau.
According to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, the items provided are critical to improving crop yields, cutting post-harvest losses and encouraging sustainable farming practices in the state.
The materials distributed include 3,920 bags of NPK fertiliser, 1,956 bags of urea fertiliser, 3,920 litres of herbicide, 1,956 litres of insecticide and 3,920 sachets of seed-dressing chemical. These inputs are expected to support farmers during the dry season and help them increase productivity.
Speaking at the event, the governor said the programme forms part of wider steps his administration is taking to grow agricultural output, improve food security and raise living standards in Zamfara.
He said, “We are all aware that farming is the backbone of our economy, and it is our responsibility to support farmers with the necessary resources to thrive.
“The distribution of these fertilisers, inputs and other farm equipment is to bolster dry-season farming across the nation, including Zamfara State.
“NG-CARES programmes have provided the foundation for the state government to achieve remarkable milestones in the agricultural sector.
“Farm input support programmes conducted in preceding years for dry-season farming in the state have reached tens of thousands of smallholder farmers, who also benefited from improved seeds, agrochemicals and agronomic guidance.”
The governor urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the items and ensure they are applied effectively on their farms.
“It is our ardent hope that these initiatives will provide the necessary impetus for sustainable agricultural development not only in Zamfara State but across the nation.
“Our administration will continue to leverage these programmes to sustainably produce food and reduce the country’s heavy reliance on food imports.
“It is a known fact that our challenges today are mostly associated with insecurity.
“As we provide our farmers with these items, we will also continue to strengthen the security architecture of our communities to achieve our goals.
“We will also continue to provide similar interventions and develop new policies and programmes to address emerging challenges.
“Let us work together to secure our environment, cultivate and harvest more, and build a prosperous Zamfara State,” he said.
Governor Lawal also acknowledged the backing of development partners and the Federal Government in driving the NG-CARES programme in the state.
“Finally, I want to acknowledge the support of our development partners and the Federal Government for their commitment to the NG-CARES programme.
“There is no doubt that the NG-CARES programme has significantly improved yields, incomes and food security by combining inputs with behavioural enablers, including seed adoption, advisory services and peer learning.
“We are committed to cooperating with you to ensure seamless implementation of developmental policies and programmes initiated, particularly in the agricultural sector, for the overall development of our dear state,” he said.
