The Yobe government has distributed 27,569 goats and inputs to 1,590 farmers under its Agricultural Empowerment Programme.
Alhaji Mamman Mohammed, the media aide to Gov. Mai Mala Buni, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Damaturu on Wednesday.
NAN reports that the programme, which was inaugurated by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, a fortnight ago, is the brainchild of the Buni’s administration.
Muhammed said that 1,060 of the farmers received fertiliser, seeds, agro-chemicals, sprayers, water pumps and mini farm equipment, including hand ploughs, powered tillers and multi-purpose threshers.
While 530 female beneficiaries received three goats each for breeding.
He said the items had been distributed free to the farmers in 53 wards across Yunusari, Geidam, Bursari, Tarmuwa and Gulani Local Government Areas.
According to Mohammed, the programme is designed to enhance agriculture productivity, ensure food security and stimulate economic growth.
The programme, he said, targeted 5,300 farmers in 178 wards across the 17 local government areas of the state.
While urging farmers to ensure effective utilisation of the facilities, Mohammed warned agaisnt diversion of the inputs.
A beneficiary, Babagana Ali from Yunusari, said the support would assist him to grow his food and expand his farmland for increased productivity.
Musa Aliyu, a resident of Geidam, said the equipment would enable him to practise both irrigation and rain fed farming.
Hajj Fanna Modu, another beneficiary in Bursari, lauded the gesture, adding it go a long way to improve her social and economic wellbeing. (NAN)
