The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Katsina state has commended the federal government for providing subsidised fertiliser and improved seeds to its members, describing the intervention as a major boost to food production and farmers’ livelihoods.
The chairman of AFAN in Katsina state, Umar Yau Gwajo-Gwajo, stated this Wednesday in an interview with journalists in Katsina. He said more than 300,000 members of the association across the state benefited from the initiative.
He also described the intervention as unprecedented, adding that it would significantly reduce the cost of farming at a time when the prices of agricultural inputs remain high in the open market.
He said access to subsidised fertiliser and improved seeds would encourage more farmers to cultivate larger hectares of farmland during the current farming season.
“AFAN commends the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for distributing fertiliser and improved seeds to our members. This intervention is a major morale booster for farmers and will contribute significantly to increasing food production across the country,” Gwajo-Gwajo said.
He stated that the programme had eased the financial burden on farmers, many of whom have struggled to afford farm inputs because of rising production costs.
The AFAN chairman also praised the Katsina state government for complementing the federal government’s efforts through various agricultural support programmes.
He said the administration of Governor Dikko Umar Radda had provided farmers with tractors, fertiliser, improved seeds, solar-powered water pumping machines and threshers to enhance agricultural productivity across the state.
“We also appreciate the support of the Katsina state government under Governor Radda. The provision of tractors, fertiliser, improved seeds, solar water pumping machines and threshers has strengthened farming activities and encouraged more people to embrace agriculture,” he said.