The service-level agreement on Agriculture, between the Niger State Government and the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) Niger State Chapter is getting the desired result from Traditional Rulers in the State.
The agreement which was an initiative of the Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago is aimed at encouraging mechanized farming to guarantee food security which aligned with the objective of the Federal government on Agriculture.
The Association had been on advocacy visit to Emirate Councils in the State to get the buy-in of the Traditional Rulers on the initiative, and for them to further sensitize their subjects on the need to support it for the benefit of all.
The AFAN Chairman, Niger State Chapter, Alh. Shehu Yusuf Galadima led members of the Association to the Palace of the Emir of Minna, Alh. Umar Faruk Bahago.
He intimated the Emir about the agreement with the State Government, pointing out that the Agricultural initiative would reposition the State favourably and benefit the people more.
In his response, the Emir of Minna, Alh. Umar Faruk Bahago described the Farmer Governor’s initiative as remarkable and assured of his total support.
He also promised to educate his subject on the initiative with a view to embracing it, as it is a major drive towards reviving the Agricultural sector in the State.
The Chairman further took his team to the palace of the Emir of Kontagora Muhammad Barau Mu’azu II, with the same message.
The Emir of Kontagora who said the initiative is exceptional and wonderful, affirmed that he will compliment the efforts of the Government by encouraging his subjects to support drive and be committed to farming.
In the agreement, AFAN was to serve as out-growers of different kinds of food for the 2024 dry season farming while the Niger State Government will provide farm inputs worth 30 billion Naira to 35,000 farmers to produce three million tonnes of food, as a pilot scheme.
The State government has already provided the farm machinery, and land preparation has begun in some locations in preparation for the commencement of the 2024 dry season farming.
Bologi Ibrahim
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State.
