NSSG Flags Off Sales Of Fertilizers For Dry Season Farming
– Pegs At N4, 000 Per Bag, Warns Against Diversion, Hike, Misappropriation
In continuation of his commitment to improving food and agricultural production, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has lunched the sales of 240 metric tons of assorted fertilizer to farmers, which would be sold at the rate of N4, 000 per bag in the state.
Governor Sule who stated this at the lunching of fertilizer sales for 2020 dry season farming in Lafia said, his government was targeting to implement various projects and programmes towards improving agriculture to the next level of development.
The State Deputy Governor, Emmanuel Akabe who stood in for Governor Sule warned those handling the fertilizer sales would be held responsible for any anomalies in the distribution of the fertilizer in their respective domain.
He also warned coordinators at various levels to ensure remittance of sales to the designated banks, as any misappropriation would attract appropriate sanction.
The governor categorically warned against the activities of middlemen who are bent in diverting the product, increasing price of fertilizer and extorting farmer, saying that anyone caught would be dealt with.
The governor noted that the state is suitable for production of various crops and as such, government was going to ensure effective distribution process in the delivery of farm inputs to farmers.
He added, with the sales of the fertilizer, government would ensure all year round farming with the view of attaining sustainable food production in the state.
According to him, the state was endowed with fertile lands and good climatic condition suitable for the production of arable crops for both domestic and export consumption.
“it is for these reasons that about 80% of the state population are engage in farming, thereby stands as the major employer of labour and most viable vehicle for achieving food security in the state”.
He reiterated government determination to fully harness agriculture potentials for the overall benefits of the people of the state.
“it is imperative to say that until agricultural resources are properly exploited, we will not be able to create the desired employment for our teeming population as well to create wealth for the well being of our society.
“Indeed, this will make the state depend less on the monthly allocation from federation account.
“We must deliberately take steps and device means on improving our internal generated revenue”, the governor said.
According to Sule, the commitment of the state in improving the sector will pave way for increasing industrial activities, considering that agriculture is the fulcrum for industrial development.
He noted that the proximity of the state to the federal capital territory, Abuja and other neighboring states, lafia cargo airport have put the state in an advantage position for a ready market.
The governor however called on the farmers to make use of the fertilizer to enhance crop production in the dry season in the state.
Earlier, the state commissioner for Agriculture and Water Resources, Otaki Allanana said, aside from the tons of assorted fertilizer, government would ensure make accessible tractors, seedlings and other farming impute.
The agric commissioner urged farmers to take advantage of government gesture and to maintain closer contact with field extension workers so as to keep abreast of the new development in the agricultural sector.
He called on farmers to make use of the fertilizer to effectively boost their crop production and improve their livelihood.
