Kaduna governor, Senator Uba Sani has initiated the distribution of recovery support packages to over 5,000 farmers across seven local governments in the state.
Representing Governor Sani at the event in Kachia, Deputy Governor Hadeeza Balarabe flagged off the distribution, emphasizing the state’s commitment to assisting smallholder ginger farmers who faced severe losses due to the ginger epidemic in 2023.
The support packages, valued at N1.6 billion naira, were provided by the National Agricultural Development Fund, a federal government agency.
This initiative is part of a broader intervention aimed at revitalizing ginger production and supporting farmers who lost their livelihoods.
Each of the 5,000 farmers will receive a package that includes:
4 bags of NPK fertilizer
2 bags of Urea fertilizer
2 bags of maize seeds
2 bags of sorghum seeds
Herbicides sufficient for cultivating one hectare of farmland
”The packages are designed to help farmers plant alternative crops during the current cropping season, ensuring that they can sustain their agricultural activities despite the previous year’s setbacks,” the deputy governor noted.
During the event, Dr Balarabe announced plans for a more comprehensive support package for both smallholder and large-scale ginger farmers to further aid in the recovery of ginger production in the state.
”This initiative is a reminder of our administration’s dedication to reviving the agricultural sector and supporting farming communities,” she stated.
The event was well-attended by several dignitaries, including the Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Development Fund, a representative from the Food and Agriculture Organisation, and the Commissioners of Agriculture and Business Innovation and Technology.
In a related development, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has emphasized the critical role of innovation in agriculture for human survival and development in Nigeria.
Obasanjo made the comment while delivering his address at the AgriConnect Summit held in Lagos recently as the chairman of the event.
“Innovation is very important. Land is important. But, without money, your land is useless. You cannot do agricultural business without money and innovation,” Obasanjo stated.