Tinubu Flags off N14bn Agricultural Implements In Yobe

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has flagged off the distribution of N14 billion Agricultural imlements to Empower 5,340 farmers in Yobe state.

The N14 billion machinery and implements were provided by the Yobe State Government as part of efforts to ensure food security and stimulate economic growth across the country.

The items distributed include 100 Zoom Lion Tractors, 10 IMC Double Cabin 4-wheel drive vehicles for extension service supervision, 200 motorcycles for extension workers, 300 sets of ox-drawn ploughs, 5,349 small ruminants (goats), 1,349 hand-push planters, 889 hand-push plough machines, 590 hand-push tiller machines, 4,202 solar-powered irrigation water pumps, improved assorted seeds, and 72,000 bags of fertilizer.

President Tinubu who was represented by the Vice President Senator Kashim Shattima, commended the efforts of Governor Mai Mala Buni of the State in agricultural investments, emphasising the potential for agricultural mechanization in the state.

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According to him, the State initiative is part of a broader national strategy to revolutionise Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Tinubu said the programme is at the heart of his administration’s ongoing efforts to enhance food security, create jobs, and diversify Nigeria’s economy through agriculture.

He stressed the critical role of agriculture in national development and security, adding that “It is the foundation upon which we build our health, our well-being, and our economic stability”

“There’s no way we are going to achieve our grand goals as a government, whether at the state or national level, until we support and empower our farmers,” he added.

He reaffirmed the commitment of his administration on modernising the agricultural sector, including the livestock industry.

Speaking Earlier, Governor Mai Mala Buni said, “In spite of all the challenges, agriculture remains the major preoccupation of our people. With the improvement in security across the state, farmlands are now accessible in almost all the local government areas.”

The Governor mentioned several government initiatives to revitalize agriculture, including an Agricultural Summit, the constitution of a Steering Committee on Revitalization of Agriculture, and partnerships with organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

He added that the state government, in collaboration with the federal government, has established Livestock Development Centres to address farmer-herdsmen clashes and boost meat and dairy production.

Buni also noted the revival of the 2000-hectare Lava Irrigation Scheme and the establishment of four Sesame Seeds processing factories across the state.

“This State Visit is no doubt a significant milestone as we launch the agricultural empowerment programme,” he added.

Governor Buni said the distribution arrangement is made up of 30 farmers in each of the 178 electoral wards of the state making a total of 5,340 farmers to benefit from the scheme.

“Except for the tractors and fertilizer, all the other agricultural equipment and inputs are to be given out free to our large-scale, medium, and subsistence farmers”.

He said that the tractors are to be in the custody of the State Agricultural Development Programme at the Headquarters in Damaturu and the zonal offices in Buni Yadi, Geidam, Gashua, Nguru, and Potiskum, to be hired out to individuals and group farmers.

“The Agricultural Development Programme would be carefully monitored to ensure service efficiency, effective maintenance, and accountability in proceeds accruing from the hire of the tractors”.

The Governor warned the beneficiaries in strong terms that the government would not tolerate any act of sabotage to frustrate their commitments to make agriculture attractive, profitable, sustainable, and economically viable and, to guarantee food sufficiency and food security in the state.