The North-East Development Commission (NEDC) in partnership with the Taraba state government through the Ministry of Cooperative and Poverty Alleviation, on Saturday, flagged off the distribution of farm inputs to cooperative farmers in Taraba.
The Taraba state NEDC coordinator, Bashir Hammajoda Nguroj stated during the event in Jalingo that the development was the commission’s deliberate move to fight food shortage in the state.
Hammajoda noted that the decision became necessary due to the persistent food shortage that comes with untold hardship, and appealed to beneficiaries not to sell the inputs but to make judicious use of the items to burst food production.
According to the NEDC state coordinator, the commission had proposed to burst food production to enhance food security and economic needs, through the provision of modern agricultural machinery.
He disclosed that the commission had proposed to provide a rice mill, oil processing machine, oil filter, walking tractors, trailers, rice harvester, rice seed planter, maize harvester, rice thrasher, maize thrasher and 2,000 bags of fertiliser.
The coordinator also expressed that the commission’s target is to increase productivity by 300 per cent, reduce labourhood by 60 per cent, improve crop quality, enhance food production, job creation and economic growth.
“The commission believe that this initiative would transform Agriculture in Taraba to be more efficient, productive and profitable
“This inputs is to empower you to burst food production in Taraba. The decision to empower you is to help fight food insecurity, and you are advise not to sale the items,” the NEDC state coordinator explained.
Meanwhile, Agbu kefas, Taraba state governor warned that any farmer found selling the inputs would not escape justice.
Kefas who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Aminu Alkali, commended NEDC for the gesture, noting that the development was in line with the state government’s deliberate move to end food shortage in the state.
The governor noted that his administration was determine to transform the agric sector to be efficient, create job opportunity and burst the economic growth of Taraba.
Earlier, Hon. Habu James Philip, Taraba state Commissioner for Cooperative and Poverty Alleviation, expressed that the initiative was a testament of both governor Kefas and North-East development Commission’s commitment to empowering small-scale farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The commissioner disclosed that the decision to provide active farmers, access to modern machinery and essential inputs, is to increase productivity, reduce costs and enhance the overall well-being of the state’s farming communities.
“Cooperative farming has proven to be a powerful tool in achieving these goals. By working together, farmers can share knowledge, resources and risks, leading to improved crop yields, increased incomes and stronger social bonds.
“As we distribute these tractors and fertilizer, we recognize the critical role our farmers are playing in feeding the nation and driving economic growth. We are committed to supporting your efforts and creating an enabling environment for agricultural prosperity,” James acknowledged.
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