FG moves to transform agricultural sector, distributes inputs to farmers

From Chiangi Avese, Makurdi


The Federal Government (FG) through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) has distributed assorted farm inputs to small holder farmers in Benue State.

The inputs which comprises of herbicides, fertiliser, fungicide, knapsack sprayer, growth enhancers, tomatoes seeds, power tillers and water pumps among others were distributed to farmers on Friday in Makurdi.

At the ceremony, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, disclosed that the inputs are meant for commodity associations, cooperative groups, and farmers with special needs.


Sen. Kyari who was represented by the Director of Rural Development, Engr Frank Adole, assured that the administration of President Bola Tinubu, had demonstrated total political will to transform the Nigeria’s agricultural sector by making food security a topmost priority, adding that the distribution of the inputs to farmers was part of the FG’s efforts in increasing food production.

“Since our assumption of office on August 21, 2023, we have examined what needs to change and what we need to do to realign existing initiatives and programmes that are on course to be in line with the core mandate of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. Consequently, the ministry has rolled out many programmes and projects to address some of the challenges of farmers and make food available, accessible and affordable to all Nigerians”, the Minister said.


He said the important goal of every nation is to attain food security and this is an international priority reflected in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“To address the underlying challenges impacting the attainment of our national food security goals, the present administration is implementing numerous economic reforms to stimulate productive capacity, create jobs, and reduce cost of living and emergency responses and targeted humanitarian actions have also been taken to ameliorate food crisis in the country,” Kyari said.

He further stated that the ministry remained committed to promoting and creating synergies with Non-Governmental Organisations and the private sector to enhance efforts at ensuring food security, economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction. Assuring of the FG’s commitment to strengthening the Nigeria’s agricultural sector for enhanced food security, while contributing to the eradication of poverty in the country.


Benue State Coordinator of the Ministry, Mr Daspan Nathaniel, said that the inputs, such as the knapsack sprayer and water pumps, would be of use to the farmers for years to come, adding that they are expected to be used judiciously to enhance the farmers’ lives.

Benue State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Benjamin Ashaver, in his goodwill message appreciated the federal government’s gesture, saying that it would go a long way to boost agriculture.

Represented by the Director Engineering, Engr Nathan Dwuem, the Commissioner pointed out that the gesture was also in line with Gov. Hyacinth Alia’s agricultural policy of equipping farmers with the right tools and inputs to unlock the fortunes of agriculture.


The Chairman, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Mr Fidelis Akosu, who appealed to President Tinubu to continue to assist in tackling insecurity, a manence impairing agricultural activities in the state, and consider banning importation of food stuff because it was negatively affecting the investments of farmers in the agricultural sector, advised farmers not to sell the inputs but use them to better their lots.

Chairman, Small Scale Women Organisation of Nigeria (SWOFON), Mrs Veronica Guma, encouraged men to give women the chance to own farm lands to enable them to feed the nation.