Federal Ministry of Agric to reduce effect of Covid-19
Chima Azubuike, Gombe
Minister of State for Agriculture, Mustapha Shehuri has said the federal government is committed in ensuring food security despite the restrictions that followed the coronavirus pandemic.
Shehuri made this disclosure on Friday, at the distribution of agricultural inputs to smallholder farmers of fourteen (14) crops.
He said, “it is therefore my pleasure to be here with you today, to flag-off the distribution of agricultural inputs to smallholder farmers of fourteen crops as part of my ministry’s interventions to reduce the effect of covid-19 pandemic on agricultural production in Nigeria and avert food scarcity in 2021. Also we are distributing organic fertilizers to boost food food production as well.
” As you are aware, the restriction of movement of people, goods and services has negatively impacted on food supply chains, incomes and livelihoods across the country.”
Shehuri added that through collaboration with research institutions, efforts are underway towards making Nigeria self sufficient.
“In quality seed and availability to farmers as a foundation for attaining food and nutrition security as well as industrialization. The ministry is supporting breeder and foundation seeds production and linking up with the private seed companies to make certified seeds avail to farmers,” the Minister of state for Agriculture said.
On his part, the Gombe state Governor, Inuwa Yahaya called on beneficiaries of the farm inputs to justify commodities at their disposal towards improving their living conditions and the economy of the state.
Yahaya who appreciated the president of Nigeria and the Ministry of Agriculture for their special interest in the state, also called for more opportunities for farmers in the state, adding that they are 75-80 percent of the state adult population.
