By Saidu Adamu
Jalingo
The Federal Government and International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD)’s Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) on Friday distributed farm inputs worth N373,000 each to 476 farmers for wet season farming in Taraba state.
The benefiting farmers were those profiled across eight Local Government Areas of (Ardo-Kola, Bali, Donga, Gassol, Jalingo, Karim- Lamido, Takum and Wukari).
The National programme coordinator (NPC), Dr Fatima Aliyu, noted during the programme in Jalingo that the initiative was VCDP’s continuous effort to strengthen the production base, and enhance farmers livelihoods.
Represented by the National production Adviser, Alhaji Nura Daura, Dr Aliyu explained that the idea was also part of the programme’s contribution to national food security.
She commended the Federal and Taraba State Governments for their tireless efforts and invaluable support; Stating that their commitment to providing critical agricultural inputs has enabled farmers to adopt modern research-based practices.
“This initiative is our continuous effort in strengthening the production base and enhancing the livelihoods of our hardworking farmers who are the backbone of our rural economy.
“This is part of our contribution to national food security as a programme. I sincerely extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Federal Government and the Taraba State Government for their tireless efforts and invaluable support; I wish to state here that their commitment to providing critical agricultural inputs has enabled our farmers to adopt modern, research-based practices, and these has significantly increased productivity, incomes, and enhanced the livelihoods of our beneficiaries”. Dr. Aliyu explained.
The National programme coordinator appealed to beneficiaries to make the best use of the support.
She also disclosed that, under the VCDP matching grant scheme, each of the 476 beneficiaries earmarked for support have made a 50% down payment as their matching grant, amounting to N186,500, and will receive the following package: bags of NPK fertilizer, 2 bags of Urea fertilizer, 50 kg of rice seed, and 2 liters of herbicide (both Pre- & Post-Emergence), value at N373,000 per farmer.
Earlier, Taraba commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. Nicholas Namessan, represented by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Serah Ali, express appreciation to the Federal Government, IFAD-VCDP, and the State Government for their continuous support in providing agricultural inputs over the past years.
The commissioner affirmed that the support had enabled farmers to effectively implement well-researched and proven technologies, boost rice and cassava production in the State.
According to the commissioner, the support has increased farmers income and improve their living standards, while contributing to food security for the broader community.
He also emphasize the critical role of agriculture in ensuring food security, both in Taraba and Nigeria as a whole, under governor Agbu Kefas.
Meanwhile, Mr Irimiya Musa, State Programme Coordinator (SPC), represented by Mr Bulus Maiyaki, urged farmers to use the inputs to boost productivity and ensure food security.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
