Agricultural Aid: The Yobe Government presents 40 tractors to AFAN and other farming associations

In a bid to boost agricultural productivity and support farmers in Yobe State, the state government has initiated several measures under its Agriculture Empowerment Programme.

The Yobe State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, led by Governor Mai Mala Buni, has announced a 50% discount on NPK fertiliser. Each bag of fertiliser will be sold to farmers at an affordable rate of N25,000, a significant reduction from the original price.

Hajiya Aishatu Tijjani, Spokesperson of the Ministry, made this announcement in Damaturu. The discounted fertiliser will be distributed to farmers across the state, with allocation letters already handed over to beneficiaries. Some farmers under the aegis of Retired Permanent Secretaries Forum will receive 600 bags.

In addition to the discounted fertiliser, the Yobe State Government has distributed Massey Ferguson 375 tractors for free. The beneficiaries of these tractors include the state's chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), AMFAZAT Farms, FA'IZA Farms, and RAISA Farms.

The selection process for the farmers receiving these free tractors was overseen by committees formed by the Yobe State Government itself. Each committee had an AFAN representative to ensure fairness and transparency. The beneficiaries were selected across 17 local government areas.

Alhaji Usman Ngari, Chairman of AFAN, Yobe Chapter, confirmed receipt of one tractor by the association from the ministry. Deliberations on how best to put the tractor to use by the association will be concluded before the next cropping season.

Many farmers across the state have also received free hand machinery including ploughs, tillers, threshers, sprayers, planters, and irrigation pumps under the programme.

The state government's initiatives come at a crucial time, as the price of a bag of sorghum has dropped significantly, from N100,000 to around N26,000. However, there is a need for government at all levels to ensure that prices of other food items also drop to prevent a potential increase in grain prices.

The agricultural sector plays a vital role in Yobe State's economy, and these initiatives are expected to boost productivity, increase food security, and improve the livelihoods of farmers in the state.

Agricultural Aid: The Yobe Government presents 40 tractors to AFAN and other farming associations