The federal government through National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has distributed 72,209 bags of fertilizer and other farm inputs to Benue farmers who were affected by herders crisis and flood.
The Director-General (DG) of the agency, AVM Muhammadu Muhammed (rtd) while performing the symbolic distribution, on Thursday, in Makurdi, named the Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state to benefit from the gesture.
They include, Ado, Agatu, Apa, Buruku, Gboko, Gwer East, Katsina-Ala, Konshisha, Kwande and Logo.
Handing over the fertilizers, the Director General said the distribution is in continuation of the over 39,000 bags which was shared to five local governments in 2018, before it was suspended.
“The balance of 56,274 bags currently being processed by the Fertilizer Blending Plant will be delivered as soon as they are ready.
“It is worthy of note that fertilizer distribution is the final phase of FG’s assistance to the farmers.
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“The special intervention is comprised seeds, agrochemicals, knapsack sprayers and fertilizer.
“It was approved in 2019 and the implementation commenced with verification of affected farmers which was closely followed by the distribution of farm inputs and seeds,” he said.
He further said that the agency was working with stakeholders in order to brainstorm and offer lasting solution to the perennial flood in order to tackle it in 2020.
Also speaking, Governor Samuel Ortom thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for the kind gesture by providing support to farmers who were ravaged by herdsmen and flood.
Ortom expressed joy that the farm inputs came quite timely, stressing that it came at the right time to enable farmers apply to their crops.
“During the harvest season you will see a bountiful result. We will continue to do the needful by supporting the programmes of the agency in the state,” he assured.
