The federal government has distributed agricultural inputs and equipment to smallholder farmers in Bauchi.

Speaking at the inauguration of the distribution on Friday in Bauchi, agriculture minister Abubakar Kyari, said the distribution is part of renewed efforts to boost food production.

“It is also to ensure food security in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

He reiterated that food security remained a national priority, stressing that the Tinubu administration declared a state of emergency on food security in July 2023.

Mr Kyari said the federal government is implementing reforms and short-term interventions to make essential inputs affordable and accessible to farmers.

According to him, the inputs distributed include herbicides, organic fertilisers, insecticides, fungicides, knapsack sprayers, growth enhancers, tomato seeds, power tillers, and water pumps.

These items, he said, would be distributed through 25 commodity associations, cooperatives, farmers with special needs, and internally displaced persons.

He restated that the intervention aimed to support smallholder farmers constrained by the high cost of farm inputs while also contributing to economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction.

“Our resolve is to transform the agricultural sector, improve productivity, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger,” Mr Kyari added.

Iliyasu Gital, the commissioner for agriculture, commended the federal government for its support. He noted that the state government also prioritised agriculture as a driver of food security.

Speaking on behalf of the farmers, Lawan Musa, chairman of the Dangulbi Farmers Cooperative Association, expressed appreciation to the federal government.

He described the intervention as a timely support that would boost food production.

The chairman appealed for sustained assistance to local farmers to further strengthen food security in the country.

(NAN)