Bunkure (Kano), July 31, 2023: The Federal Government on Monday began the distribution of subsidised farm inputs to farmers in Bunkure Local Government Area of Kano State.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Earnest Apolabi, stated this during the official flag-off of Inputs Distribution to Farmers In ATASP-1 States of Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi, Niger and Sokoto at Bunkure headquarters of Bunkure LGA, Kano State.
Represented by Director Planning and Policy Coordination, Malam Tanimu Ibrahim, said the ceremony marks the commencement of this year’s delivery of subsidized inputs to about 60,000 farmers in the participating states.
He said the programme was launched In March 2015 with the objective of improving food and nutrition security, attracting private-sector investment In agriculture, reducing post-harvest losses, adding value to local agricultural produce.
“Under the Commodity Value Chain Development component, the FGN through the ministry has been supporting farmers with critical production inputs,” he said.
Apolabi noted that in order to increase the level of transparency, accountability and efficiency in the input delivery process.
He explained that the Federal Government this year approved the introduction and use of ICT platform for delivery of the Inputs to farmers, making this year’s program a very notable one.
The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed the commitment of the present administration towards enhancing agricultural production in the country.
In his remark Governor Abba Yusuf , represented by his Deputy Alhaji Aminu Gwarzo, said the Initiative was very timely.
Yusuf reiterated his administration committed towards providing affordable avenues to farmers on how to access soft loan from credible financial institutions with the aim of enhancing food security.
Earlier Chairman of all Farmers Association AFAN Kano Chapters Alhaji Faruk Mudi assured the federal and state governments that farmers would judicious use of the inputs given to them to produce assorted food crops.