Niger State Eager To Pilot FG's 500,000 Hectare Farming Initiative

***News in brief:

• Niger State aims to pilot the federal government's plan to cultivate 500,000 hectares of land for agriculture as well as doubling the impact by matching the target.
• Governor Bago also assured that farmers in Niger State have already returned to their land amid improving security conditions.*** Niger State has expressed its keen interest in piloting the federal government's ambitious plan to cultivate 500,000 hectares of land for agricultural production, as announced by President Bola Tinubu in his recent New Year message. Governor Mohammed Bago revealed that he made this offer after a meeting with the President in Abuja. According to a statement issued by Bago's media office, he informed President Tinubu about ongoing agricultural projects in the state, like cultivating 250,000 hectares of land for dry season farming. He also mentioned to the press that his administration secured off-take agreements with companies to ensure market access for farmers' produce. Bago expressed the state's ambition to match the federal government's target by cultivating an additional 500,000 hectares, effectively doubling the overall impact of the initiative. Meantime, the governor said that the president was delighted by the positive response received from the Niger state administration. President Tinubu reportedly offered his blessings and encouragement for the state's ambitious plans. Addressing concerns about insecurity potentially hindering farmers' return to their land, Governor Bago assured that farmers in Niger State are already back on their farms, indicating a gradual improvement in the security situation and a positive outlook for agricultural production in the state.