By; SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has flagged off 2023 Cropping Season Sales and Distribution of 442 Tractors, 312 ploughing and harrowing implements and 100 trucks of MPK Fertilizers yesterday at Borno Digital Farm Center, Muna along Mafa ÷Dikwa Road Maiduguri.
He directed five tractors to be distributed to each of the 27 LGAs of the state and one tractor to also be distributed to each of the 312 wards of the state totalling 442 tractors which will be sold to farmers through agricultural cooperative society at the discount rate of 50% on owner occupier basis out of the 1,000 tractors purchased by his predecessor, Senator Kashim Shettima, but could not be put to use due to insecurity in the state.
The governor also said that his administration purchased the 312 ploughing and harrowing implements, which will be distributed to the 312 wards for the benefit of the rural farmers as well purchased 100 trucks for both urban and rural farmers which will be sold at 25% discount rate (75%).
He also directed that an Agricultural Sales and Distribution.Committee should be constituted at each LGA with the Permanent Secretary of State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Permanent Secretary of Borno State Agricultural Programme Development Agency, LGC ruling party SPC Chairmen, LGC Transition.Committee Chairmen and Borno State House of Assembly LGC State Constituency members, LGCs Heads of Agriculture among others as members of the committee in each LGC.
He lamented how tractors purchased and distributed to farmers were diverted and sold at the detriment of the rural farmers by unknown middlemen, politicians and government officials, while warning that anybody found wanting in selling or diverting of the tractors or fertilizers will be dealt with accordingly without fear or favour.
Zulum further assured that his government is ready to serve all and sundry, irrespective of status in the society, but urged the citizens of the state to be patient with the government as it cannot serve all at the same time, but nobody or part of the state will be left untouched or unreached with basic infrastructure.
He also pledged to acquire more farming implements, fertilizers, seeds and seedlings for farmers for sales and distribution across the state to boost agricultural production.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Bulama Gana commended the governor for prioritizing the agricultural sector of the state by providing farmers in both the urban and rural areas across the state with farming implements, fertilizers, seeds and seedlings at subsidized rates.
He also highlighted on the achievements of the ministry under the administration of Governor Zulum and ongoing agricultural projects and programmes across the state towards enhancing food production and sufficiency.
Highlights of the flagging off of the 2023 cropping season sales and distribution of tractors and fertilizers include cutting of tape, symbolic distribution of fertilizers and phosphorus among others.
