Yobe state government has commenced distributing the multi-billion naira agricultural equipment, assorted seeds, and agrochemicals procured for the state agrarian Empowerment Programme in five local government areas of Zone A, covering 53 Wards.
After completing the Zone A senatorial district, Zones B and C Senatorial districts will follow.
The distribution commenced yesterday in Yunusari, Geidam, Bursari, Tarmuwa, and Gulani local government areas, covering 1,590 farmers, and continued in Gujba and Damaturu.
Information gathered revealed that over 1,060 male farmers in the five local government areas were provided free of charge with 159 Hand Ploughs, 159 Powered Hand Tillers, 212 Multi-Purpose Threshers, 530 Solar-Powered Pumps, 3,180 bags of Fertilizer, 530 Hand Push Planters, 1,060 Knapsack Sprayers, 10,600kg Assorted seeds, 10,600 litres of Agrochemicals, among other things. At the same time, 530 female beneficiaries received three small ruminants each.
Governor Mai Mala Buni said over 5,300 farmers across the 178 wards in the 17 Local Government Areas will benefit from the empowerment programme, improving agricultural productivity, ensuring food sufficiency and security, and stimulating economic growth.
The governor warned against the abuse of tractors, vehicles, and motorcycles for extension services and equipment selling, directing security agencies to impound and arrest persons moving the equipment out of the state.
Meanwhile, the empowerment programme beneficiaries commended Governor Buni for the initiative and for supporting farmers in cultivating their food needs and improving their economies.
A beneficiary from Yunusari, Babagana Ali said the support would enable him to expand his farmland for more food cultivation.
Musa Aliyu in Geidam said he is cultivating his farm now in the rainy season and will also engage in irrigation with the assistance of the equipment given to him.
Hajj Fanna Modu in Bursari could not hide her joy after receiving the ruminants. “Thank you, Governor Buni. I am sure my grandchildren would benefit from these goats given to me”, she said while dancing in celebration.
