The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) in a concerted effort to enhance food security and alleviate the impact of global food shortages, has embarked on a nationwide initiative distributing crucial agricultural inputs to farmers in Abia, Kebbi, and Yobe states. This ambitious programme aims to empower farmers, optimize crop cultivation, and ultimately increase food production across the nation.
Amidst a backdrop of global resources and escalating food prices, NALDA’s intervention seeks to equip farmers with the necessary tools and resources to bolster agricultural output. The distribution of high-grade fertilizers, herbicides, and improved seeds, including maize and rice varieties tailored to local conditions, emphasizes NALDA’s commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity.
In Abia State, beneficiaries from diverse backgrounds, including those nominated by the state government and various farmers’ associations, converged at the NALDA Institute of Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship in a ceremony marked by enthusiasm and anticipation. Led by the Executive Secretary of NALDA, Prince Paul Ikonne, the distribution event served as a tangible manifestation of the government’s pledge to support smallholder farmers.
Addressing the assembled farmers, Prince Paul Ikonne emphasized the pivotal role of agriculture in ensuring food self-sufficiency and reducing the cost of living for ordinary Nigerians. He reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to promoting agricultural development and emphasized the imperative of cultivating vast hectares of land to meet the nation’s growing food demands.
“The essence of what we’re doing here today is to ensure Nigerians understand the importance of farming, make sure we produce what we eat and reduce the price of food in the market. We are expecting nothing less than 340 hectares to be cultivated by these farmers,” he said.
Expressions of gratitude echoed throughout the gathering as beneficiaries, including Azeezat Jimoh, the Women Leader of the Yoruba community in Abia State, and Habibu Aliyu, a seasoned rice farmer from Kebbi State, conveyed their appreciation for the government’s timely intervention. Their testimonials underscored the transformative impact of NALDA’s empowerment programme on rural livelihoods and agricultural productivity.
In Kebbi State, the distribution exercise was characterized by the participation of local officials such as Honourable Manir Abubakar, Chairman of the Ngaski Local Government Area, who commended NALDA for its proactive stance in supporting farmers. Emphasizing the importance of utilizing the distributed inputs for farming purposes, he urged beneficiaries to maximize the potential of the resources provided.
Meanwhile, in Yobe State the NALDA team led by Director of Finance, Suleiman Lawal, engaged beneficiaries in comprehensive training sessions aimed at optimizing the use of agricultural inputs for maximum yield. Against the backdrop of President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on food, NALDA’s empowerment programme represents a crucial step towards achieving food sufficiency and mitigating the adverse effects of rising food prices. As the distribution of agricultural inputs continues to unfold nationwide, stakeholders remain optimistic about the programme’s potential to transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
