LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Federal Government of Nigeria on Friday, unveiled plans to distribute agricultural inputs to 1,000 farmers in Lagos and Nasarawa states, aiming to enhance food production within the regions.
Aligned with ongoing efforts to ensure food security for Nigerians, the initiative seeks to support farmers nationwide in optimizing crop cultivation for increased yields and productivity.
Administered by the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), accredited beneficiaries received a package containing maize and bean seeds, herbicides, fungicides, pesticides, and fertilizers, each bag bearing the NALDA brand.
“Each pack, if properly planted and properly maintained till harvest, can yield up to six tonnes of produce for each farmer,” NALDA stated in a statement issued in Abuja.
The inputs were distributed with consideration for each state’s agricultural specialization.
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Additionally, the biometrics of beneficiaries were captured on their farms to establish a comprehensive database of farmers, ensuring that only genuine farmers benefit from the program.
The agency said, “In Lagos State, 500 beneficiaries from Lagos East Senatorial District consisting of Epe, Ibeju/Lekki, Ikorodu, Agbowa, Imota and others got the empowerment package.”
The Executive Secretary, NALDA, Paul Ikone, represented by the agency’s Information, Communications and Technology Director, Mr Chima Onuha, emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda for agriculture development and food security.
Expressing gratitude for the gesture, beneficiary Owolabi Odulaja highlighted the potential of the initiative to alleviate poverty.
“This initiative will help the people to tackle poverty. We thank President Tinubu and NALDA for this great support during this challenging economic period,” he stated.
For Nasarawa State, the agency stated that “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.”
During the distribution event, Justice Sidi Muhammed (Rtd), the Emir of Lafia and Chairman of Nasarawa Council of Chiefs, praised the Federal Government for the initiative, noting its significant potential to boost the state’s economy.
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He urged beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity presented.
“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,” Muhammed stated.