From Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has commended the Yobe State Government for its massive investment in agriculture aimed at ensuring food sufficiency and security across the state.
According to a statement signed by Mamman Mohammad, Director-General of Press and Media Affairs to the Governor, Governor Mai Mala Buni disclosed this on Tuesday during the launch of the State Agricultural Empowerment Programme at the August 27 Stadium in Damaturu, the state capital.
Representing President Tinubu at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabiru Masari, said the Yobe Agricultural Empowerment Programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government. He assured the state of federal support to further boost agricultural productivity.
Governor Buni highlighted that the state government has procured 40 Massey Ferguson tractors, 1,961 power tillers, 1,250 hand-push planters, 553 multi-purpose threshers, 3,410 solar water pumps, 830 fertilizer applicators, 4,500 bags of NPK 20:10:10 fertilizer, and 195 crop residue crushers.
In addition, the programme has provided 495 crop residue choppers, 20,000 assorted improved seeds, assorted agro-chemicals, 4,000 bundles of cassava stems, certified seeds, 50 tricycles, and 30 motorcycles.
“In line with our policy to promote agricultural development in Yobe State, I hereby direct that the machines, equipment and other farm implements be distributed free of charge to deserving farmers. Furthermore, I have approved a 50% subsidy on the sale of fertilizer to farmers,” Governor Buni announced.
It will be recalled that last year, the Yobe State Government procured and distributed 100 tractors, hand-tilling machines, solar-powered irrigation systems, harvesters, threshers, improved seedlings, fertilizers and other inputs to support farmers.