The federal ministry of agriculture and food security has inaugurated the distribution of farm inputs to smallholder farmers through their cooperative societies in Adamawa.

Speaking at the inauguration in Yola, the minister of agriculture,  Abubakar Kyari, said the gesture was aimed at boosting agricultural production and ensuring food security.

Mr Kyari, represented by the director of planning and policy coordination in the ministry, Umar Mohammed, said the items were provided free of charge.

He listed the inputs to include power tiller machines, growth enhancers, sprayers, rice selectors and water pumps.

According to him, the inputs were for the 2024 season, while those for 2025 were being processed.

“It is the resolve of the present administration to develop the agricultural sector towards improving rural productivity and attaining the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals, especially that of Zero Hunger.

“For this purpose, we reiterate our commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector for enhanced food security and poverty eradication,” he said.

He urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the items and warned against selling them in the market.

In his remarks, the Adamawa coordinator of the federal ministry of agriculture, Salihu Jenongso, said the initiative was a viable step toward increased food production.

He urged cooperative members to double their efforts in supporting the state and country’s quest for food security.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Imma Ibrahim, chairman of Njwa Multipurpose Cooperative Society, appreciated the federal government for the intervention.

He assured that the inputs would be put to judicious use and called on members to ensure proper maintenance for maximum benefit.

The 30 cooperative societies have so far benefited from the first phase of the distribution.

(NAN)