Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has launched the distribution of free fertilizers and agricultural inputs to farmers across all 23 Local Government Areas in the state to support dry-season farming.
The initiative also targets women and youth, aiming to increase food production and ensure food security, with Allah’s blessings.
At the event held in Wamakko Local Government Area on Monday, Governor Aliyu shared that the Sokoto State Government had previously distributed agricultural inputs during the rainy season.
This included 45,366 bags of NPK, 24,264 bags of Urea, 20,664 liters of agrochemicals, and 20,000kg each of rice, sorghum, and millet seeds to farmers across the state.
Additionally, youth and women groups benefited from the distribution of 1,000 water pumps, 23 multipurpose threshers, 3,000 tomato grinding machines, and 58 rice thresher machines at no cost.
He stated, “Alhamdulillah our efforts had yielded positive results,” and emphasized that the current distribution of inputs for dry-season farming would further boost food productivity across Sokoto State. “Each of the 23 Local government areas of the State will this time receive 3 trucks of assorted fertilizer for the dry season farming,” he noted.
Aliyu explained that the initiative is designed to increase agricultural output in the state during the 2024 dry season, providing job opportunities for the youth, especially at the grassroots level.
He further highlighted ongoing efforts to improve irrigation in the state, such as the completion of the Kware Irrigation Scheme, which spans 450 hectares, and the commencement of work on the Wurno Irrigation Scheme.
He also mentioned that a contract for the rehabilitation of the Lugu Dam has been awarded, with work set to begin soon.
The Governor encouraged civil servants, politicians, businesspeople, youths, and the entire population of the state to take advantage of the opportunities his administration is providing in the agricultural sector, urging them to engage in farming and other agricultural activities to become self-reliant and contribute to the state’s economic growth.
Sokoto State is currently collaborating with various national and international organizations to make agriculture one of the best-performing sectors in the country.
Aliyu reiterated his commitment to working closely with the Federal Government and development partners to enhance agricultural productivity, diversify sources of revenue, and promote food security.
He stressed, “It is our firm belief that the only approach we can adopt to ensure improved living conditions for our people is by enhancing agricultural productivity in the state.” The state government will continue to support farmers by providing essential inputs such as agricultural machinery, fertilizers, agrochemicals, seeds, and other services. He added that the state will focus on strengthening the production of cash crops, particularly cotton and groundnuts.
Remarking, the governor expressed his gratitude to development partners like the World Bank, the Federal CARES Support Unit, and the National Fadama Coordination Office for their unwavering support.
He called on the beneficiaries to ensure that the assistance provided is used wisely to achieve the set goals.
Aliyu also warned those tasked with distributing the 2024 fertilizers for dry-season farmers, urging them not to betray the trust placed in them as was seen in the wet season exercise.
“We have taken all necessary measures to ensure that any attempt to compromise or divert the product would this time be dealt with decisively,” he cautioned. “I advise you in your interest to have the fear of Allah and allow the masses to enjoy the full benefit of this gesture by our government,” he stated.
