E-Wallet Scheme Has Reduced Agric Inputs Diversion By 95%’

The introduction of e-
wallet scheme in the distribution of agricultural inputs had eliminated diversion by 95 per cent in the states covered, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has said
Adesina, who stated this during the inauguration of the scheme in Yola recently, said the system had improved farmers’ access to agricultural inputs such as fertiliser, seeds and herbicides.
The minister, represented by the Federal Regional Director, North East, Dr Muhammad Arabi, said the arrangement also allowed farmers to get direct access to free seeds and government subsidy of 50 per cent on all inputs.
“I am happy today that farmers in Adamawa will get agricultural inputs under the Growth Enhancement Scheme. The scheme is a vital component of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda which seeks to encourage the critical actors in the farm input sub-sector. It enables them to work together to improve productivity, household food security and enhance income generation of the farmers’’, Adesina said.
He said the scheme aims to facilitate the withdrawal of government from direct purchase and distribution of agricultural inputs and encourage private sector to take the lead in the sub-sector.
He expressed optimism over the participation of Adamawa into the scheme and urged the beneficiaries to utilise the inputs judiciously in their farms to improve agricultural production.
Mrs Lucy Ishaku, Commissioner for Agriculture, said the roll-out event was a bit late as the rainy season had significantly advanced in many parts of the state.
“It is therefore incumbent on the operators of this scheme, the suppliers, agro-dealers, the supply chain managers and associated workers to put hands on deck and speed up the redemption process.’’
Ishaku, represented by Alhaji Ja’afar Gabdo, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, warned that the ministry would not condone any form of malpractice from any quarters.
Mrs Julian Paul, a beneficiary farmer from Yadin ward in Fufore Local Government Area, thanked the Federal and State Governments for making them to get fertiliser at subsidised costs and free improved seeds.
“I am a farmer for the past twenty (20) years and this is the first time I am buying fertiliser at a government subsidised price and collecting free improved variety of maize seeds,’’ Paul said.