FCT farmers to get free fertilizer

In order to enhance food production and sufficiency in the country and the territory, the Federal Capital Territory Administration has begun the distribution of 900 metric tonnes of free fertilizer to all genuine farmers within and around the territory.

The free distribution of approximately 30 truck quantum of assorted fertilizer which is in 50kg bags is an intervention of the Federal Government to propel agro – productivity in the territory so as to increase farmers productivity

Performing the symbolic distribution in Abuja, Minister of State for FCT, Dr.

The minister appealed to the youths to take advantage of the vast arable land that the FCT is blessed with, to venture into agriculture.

The Minister said the fertilizers were donated by the Central Bank of Nigeria,CBN, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, FMA&FS, to the FCT Administration for distribution to farmers.

She described the intervention as the manifestation of the visionary leadership of President Bola Tinubu’s strategic response in addressing food shortage in the country.

Dr Mahmoud assured that the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat has fully adhered to the distribution guidelines outlined by the Central Bank of Nigeria ,CBN, which includes the setting up of a broad-based Ad-hoc committee to strategize and come up with distribution plans that would ensure the fertilizers reach the intended beneficiaries.

The minister thanked partners for their support in training of Agricultural Extension Agents and farmers, and promised FCTA readiness to sustaining the synergy to enable farmers in the territory succeed.

“within the past two months, we have undertaken several initiatives to enhance food production. In collaboration with the World Bank and Islamic Development Bank, we achieved a significant milestone by providing farmers with a comprehensive range of agricultural inputs.

On his part, the Mandate Secretary Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Lawan Kolo Geidam, said the Secretariat has been able to identify genuine farmers, and assured that the targeted audience will get the farm imputs.

He expressed optimism that the efforts would yeild bumper harvest, lauded President Tinubu for revitalizing the agricultural sector.

“We are optimistic that the substantial quantity of fertilizers generously provided will yield a remarkable outcome, culminating in a bumper harvest this year, thereby enhancing food availability, improved nutrition, economic growth, and overall well-being of FCT residents,” he added.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Grace Adayilo, warned that anyone that diverted the fertilizers would face the wrath of God .

Adayilo assured that the fertilizers would be distributed to genuine farmers saying, “I want to assure you that the people you see here today, are farmers that have been certified by the committee as genuine farmers who have been in their different ways, adding value to the food production systems in the FCT.”

Also, the Etsu of Kwali, HRH Luka Ayedo Nizasaan who spoke on behalf of Traditional leaders said efforts would be made to ensure smooth and transparent distribution.

The Mandate Secretary Area Council Service Secretariat, Bitrus Garki urged those in charge of distribution to make the fertilizers reach the target farmers to attain a- hunger- free- FCT.

Responding, the Chairman All Farmers Association, Ifraimu Daudu who thanked the Government for the gesture, however appealed to the Administration to always provide the farm imputs before planting season, as well as called for support for farmers on irrigation fariming.