The Federal Government
in collaboration with the Kogi State Government, on Thursday commenced the distribution of 6,000 bags of fertilizer and herbicides to 1,000 cassava farmers in the state.
The distribution, which was flagged-off in Lokoja, was also in partnership with the Kogi Cluster Farms Development Union (KCFDU).
Mr Zacchaeus Atteh, the Commissioner for Agriculture, who was represented by the Director, Agricultural Services, Mr Dennis Okwoli, hailed the initiative, saying it would boost cassava production in the country.
Atteh said the state government would continue to support any project that would promote the wellbeing of rural farmers and enhance food security.
“It is a significant development in the country’s quest to achieving food sufficiency and wealth creation for real rural farmers,” he said.
In his address, the President of KCFDU, Mr Alfred Okeme, who was represented by the spokesman of the union, Mr Aaron Matthew, also appreciated the initiative, saying it would boost cassava production.
Mathew said each of the 1,000 farmers would get six bags of assorted fertilizers and four litres of herbicides.
He disclosed that over 165 farmers had received a loan of N160,000 each to boost their production capacity, and urged others that were yet to receive, to be patient as the disbursement was in batches.
Mr Suleiman Funmilayo, one of the beneficiaries from Kabba praised the federal and state governments for the free fertilizer and herbicides, saying it was the first of its kind in the state.
“We have never experienced this kind of assistance before, where fertilizers are given free and directly to farmers without any intermediary.
“We promise to use the fertilizer and the herbicides for the intended purposes,” Funmilayo said.