The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has distributed agricultural inputs to farmers in Nasarawa and Lagos states to ensure the availability of staple food for Nigerians.
In order to ensure a complete database of real farmers, the inputs were distributed with a focus on crops with comparative productivity advantages. At the same time, the biometrics of the farmers were captured on their farms.
The distribution of inputs was intended to support farmers nationwide in optimising agricultural cultivation for higher yields and greater food production.
Beneficiaries of the programme received NALDA-branded bags containing maize seeds, bean seeds, herbicides, Pesticides, Fungicides and fertilizer.
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With the best agronomic practices, each beneficiary can potentially harvest up to 6 tons per hectare.
Speaking at the distribution event in Lagos, NALDA’s Chief Executive Officer and Executive Secretary, Prince Paul Ikonne, who was represented by the agency’s Director of Information and Communications Technology, Mr Chima Onuha, said that the collaboration with Senator Abiru on this initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on food security and agriculture development.
In Lagos state, 500 beneficiaries from Lagos East Senatorial District consisting of Epe, Ibeju/Lekki, Ikorodu, Agbowa, Imota and others got the empowerment package.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Owolabi Odulaja, who appreciated NALDA for the gesture, said it would go a long way in tackling poverty.
“This initiative will help the people to tackle poverty. We thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, NALDA for this great support during this challenging economic period”.
For Nasarawa State, 500 farmers drawn from all over the state benefited from the distribution exercise, which took place at the Emir’s Palace in Lafia, the state capital.
Speaking during the distribution exercise, the Emir of Lafia and the chairman of the Nasarawa Council of Chiefs, Justice Sidi Muhammed (Rtd), lauded the federal government for the initiative.
He said the gesture would go a long way in boosting the economy of the state while urging the beneficiaries to utilise the opportunity.
“If the federal government is saying that we are giving you this free without you dipping hands in your pockets to do it, then people must take advantage of it”.
The Emir further assured the Federal Government of the State’s support for its policies.
NALDA said the input distribution is a continuous exercise to encourage more Nigerians to go into farming to ensure self-sufficiency in food production.