FG flags off input distribution to Bauchi Farmers, reaffirms commitment to food security
By Ahmed Ahmed
The Federal Government has flagged off the distribution of agricultural inputs and equipment to smallholder farmers in Bauchi State as part of its renewed efforts to boost food production and ensure food security in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The event, held at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security State Office in Bauchi, was declared open by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, who was represented by Mr. Kizito Gukas, Director General Services of the Ministry.
Kyari reiterated that food security remains a national priority, stressing that the administration has declared a state of emergency on food security since July 2023.
He said the government is implementing reforms and short-term interventions to make essential inputs affordable and accessible to farmers.
According to him, the inputs distributed include herbicides, fertilizers, fungicides, knapsack sprayers, growth enhancers, tomato seeds, power tillers, and water pumps.
These items, he noted, would be distributed through 25 commodity associations, cooperatives, farmers with special needs, and internally displaced persons.
He emphasized that the intervention aims to support smallholder farmers constrained by the high cost of farm inputs, while also contributing to economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction.
“Our resolve is to transform the agricultural sector, improve productivity, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger,” Kyari added.
Bauchi State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Iliyasu Gital, commended the Federal Government for its support, noting that the state government also prioritizes agriculture as a driver of food security.
In her remarks, the State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Khadua Ishaku, urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items, stating that only through proper utilization would the nation achieve its food security objectives.
Speaking on behalf of the farmers, Malam Lawan Musa, Chairman of Dangulbi Farmers Cooperative Association, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, describing the intervention as a timely support that would boost food production.
He appealed for sustained assistance to local farmers to further strengthen food security in the country.
