ZAMFARA: Gov Lawal kicks off FADAMA III project, distributes agricultural assets to 19,000 farmers

By IBRAHIM KANOMA, Gusau

Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Dauda Lawal, has flagged off the Nigeria Coronavirus (COVID-19) Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (N-CARES) programme with the distributions of farm inputs and agricultural assets.

The ceremony for the flag-off of the Fadama III project was held, on Wednesday, at the Zamfara State Ministry of Agriculture, targeting beneficiaries from 14 Local Government Areas.

Governor Lawal noted that over 700 power tillers and seeds for rice and maize would be distributed to 19,000 farmers.

He said his administration was determined to revamp the agricultural sector by providing adequate support to farmers.

During his speech at the kick off event, Governor Dauda Lawal reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing social interventions for less privileged and vulnerable individuals in Zamfara.

He said: “Through the Fadama III programme, 100,000 farmers will be empowered with the necessary equipment and seeds over the next four years. Coming shortly after the signing of our 2024 Rescue budget, it testifies to our resolve to take the required steps towards realising our targets in the agricultural sector, which is the most vital sector of the economy of our dear State.

“As you are aware, the COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus Programme is a multi-sectoral programme centred around three critical result areas and is designed to address specific challenges and harness opportunities on our path towards a robust post-pandemic recovery.

“Under FADAMA 3, the Result area focus is on increasing food security and ensuring the safe functioning of food supply chains for our vulnerable households.”

Furthermore, Governor Lawal said the Zamfara State government will provide essential input support and services, construct and rehabilitate access roads, and allocate assets for production and mitigating food loss and waste.

He said the key objective is to improve the productivity of 11,760 farmers directly by providing them with vital inputs such as fertilisers, herbicides, insecticides, improved seeds, and seed dressing chemicals. For the upcoming dry season, we have allocated 33,000 bags of fertiliser – comprising 22,000 bags of NPK and 11,000 bags of Urea.

“Also, over 700 power tillers and seeds for rice and maize will be distributed to 19,000 farmers. Furthermore, 735 groups of ten farmers each will be empowered with Power Tillers, and 2,550 individuals will receive small ruminant animals.”