FG Empowers Imo State Farmers with Farm Implements, Inputs

News in brief:

• -The Nigerian federal government distributed free farm tools and inputs to 90 farmer groups in Imo State.
• -This intervention aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope food security agenda.

The Federal Government distributed farm implements and agricultural inputs to 90 groups of smallholder farmers in Imo State as part of efforts to strengthen food production and prioritise national food security.

The distribution exercise was held in Owerri, the state capital, with Dr Iyere-Usiahon Perpetua representing the Federal Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, at the event.

Dr Perpetua stated that the intervention was designed to deliver on President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that food security remains a critical objective for any nation. She noted that food security is also a global priority reflected in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

“To address the underlying challenges affecting the attainment of our national food security goals, this administration is implementing economic reforms to stimulate productive capacity, create jobs and reduce the cost of living,” Perpetua said.

Inclusive Distribution

The farm implements and inputs distributed included power tillers, herbicides, liquid fertilisers, knapsack sprayers and water pumps. They were distributed through commodity associations and cooperative societies to farmers with special needs and internally displaced persons.

Kyari, speaking through his spokesperson, recalled that President Tinubu declared a state of emergency on food security in July 2023 and assured farmers that the administration has demonstrated strong political will to transform the agricultural sector.

Ministry Targets Affordability and Access

The minister revealed that since assuming office in August 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has reviewed existing programmes and realigned them with its core mandate of food availability, accessibility and affordability.

He added that the ministry has introduced short-term support mechanisms to make essential farm inputs more affordable and accessible to smallholder farmers through transparent and accountable processes.

“Our foremost concern is facilitating access to agro-inputs and basic farm machinery for small-scale farmers who are constrained by high market costs,” the minister's office said.

Partnerships and Sustainability

Nigeria's food security department further pledged continued collaboration with state governments, as well as partnerships with non-governmental organisations and the private sector, to strengthen food security, job creation and poverty reduction.

The minister stated that the programme is also aligned with Nigeria’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the goal of zero hunger.

Imo Government Urges Responsible Tool Usage

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of Imo State's Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Alexander Onwumere, commended the Tinubu-led government for the timely delivery of the farm implements.

He urged beneficiaries to use the tools judiciously and warned against selling them, stating that offenders would face sanctions.

Chief Tobias Iwu, former First Deputy National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, thanked the FG for the intervention, noting that the tools arrived at a critical time for farmers.

Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, the Head of Umudioka Multipurpose Cooperative, Orlu, Mr Chinedu Madu, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and called for the sustainability of the programme.