FG distributes subsidized farm inputs to 60,000 farmers in Kano

By Mustapha Adamu, Kano

Federal Government has on Monday commenced distribution of subsidized farm inputs to not less than 60,000 farmers in five states of Kano, Jigawa, Kebbi, Niger and Sokoto, with a stern warning on beneficiaries against round tripping.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, FMARD, Dr. Ernest Afolabi gave the warning during the flag off of distribution of farm inputs via the National Agricultural Growth Scheme, at Bunkure LGA of Kano State.

Dr. Afolabi represented by his Director, Planning and Policy Coordination, Malam Tanimu Ibrahim warned that any farmer caught in the act will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

He said the Government is committed to paying 80% of the total cost of the input package, while each participating farmer is expected to pay the 20% balance for the redemption of his/her inputs.

According to him, “The ceremony marks the commencement of this year’s delivery of subsidized inputs to about 60,000 farmers in the participating States. The event is very Important for us as a Ministry because we recognize that the drive for Increased agricultural production cannot be attained without a guaranteed access to quality agricultural Inputs such as fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, whose distribution in the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program- Phase one (ATASP-1) Project is being launched today.

“Notably, the program is targeted to support 60,000 farmers in the five ATASP-15 States with highly subsidized Inputs to help increase their production level and achieve economic well-being, while also contributing substantially to the national agricultural product output. Accordingly, Government is committed to paying 80% of the total cost of the input package, while each participating farmer is expected to pay the 20% balance for the redemption of his/her inputs at the Redemption Centre.

“I therefore wish to enjoin the benefitting farmers to ensure full utilization of the inputs in their various farms in order to increase their farm output which will translate into increased farm income. In the same vein. I encourage all the players to resist any temptation of inputs round-tripping, as anyone caught doing so will be treated in accordance with the provisions of the law.

“I wish to assure that the Ministry will continue to do everything possible within her mandate, to facilitate Increased accessibility of farmers to relevant inputs for Increased agricultural production for a food and nutrition secured Nigeria,” Afolabi stated.