FAO distributes farm inputs to 187,250 farmers in 3 states
By Talatu Maiwada
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has commenced the distribution of farm inputs to 187,250 farmers in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.
Mr Dominique Kouacou, FAO’s Nigeria/ECOWAS Representative, said at the event on Thursday at Jabbi-Lamba, Girei Local Government Area, Adamawa, that the intervention followed the seeming escalation of food insecurity in the country.
Represented by Mr Luc Manga, Head of Office, North-East, Kouacou, said that a large population of people in the North-East were at the risk of facing food insecurity.
Kouacou said that the intervention, supported by the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), USAID, Norway’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, and Swiss Development and Cooperation was targeted at benefiting about 26,750 households.
“In all, the intervention will benefit no fewer than 187,250 individuals across the the three states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe,” he said.
The FAO representative, said that a total of 5,350 households and 37,450 individuals would benefit from the programme in Guyuk, Madagali, Michika and Girei areas of Adamawa.
“They will receive essential inputs such as cereal seeds, legume seeds, vegetable seeds and NPK fertilisers.
“This collaborative effort is geared towards restoring and strengthening food security in the state.
“It is also aimed at supporting the communities to restart their individual means of livelihood, improve food production and foster economic resilience,” he said.
Earlier, Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri, said that the collaboration was a significant milestone in the effort to transform agriculture in the state and the North-East region at large
Represented by Prof. David Jatau, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Fintiri commended FAO for the support, describing it as timely and impactful.
“Agriculture is not just a sector, it is a way of life. Your support has been instrumental in building resilience in our agriculture sector and ensuring food security.
“From these initiatives, the farmers will receive high quality seeds, fertiliser and other inputs that will help to produce high yielding crops,” he said.
The governor said that the state government was already providing training supports to farmers to improve their skills and competence.
“Our intention is to develop sustainable agricultural practices that will ensure long-term food security for our people,” he said.
Halilu Bello, a beneficiary, appreciated FAO and the state government for the initiative, saying that the inputs would help the farmers to eliminate hunger and rebuild their sources of livelihood.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that FAO is a specialised agency of the United Nations that is leading international efforts to eliminate hunger. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Florence Onuegbu and Azubuike Okeh
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