ibironkeeniola 
The Gombe State Government has announced that it has commenced the sale of 20,000 metric tonnes of assorted fertilisers to farmers in the state at a subsidised price of N5,000 per bag.
Gombe State Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya while inaugurating the sale of the fertiliser to farmers on Wednesday said the effort was aimed at the 2020 wet season farming.
Yahaya added that the sale will help to improve the livelihood of farmers as well as to boost farm productivity in the state.
The governor explained that about 80 per cent of the state’s population was engaged in agriculture, adding that his administration will continue to support the development of the sector.
The governor further explained that the state was reviving its farm service centres to serve as one-stop shops for agriculture produce.
Yahaya said, “Aside from keying into many agricultural initiatives at regional and national levels, we are also reviving our farm service centres to serve as one-stop shops of agricultural services.
“We are also keying into the National Livestock Transformation Programme with Wawa-Zange Grazing reserve and the great irrigation potentials of our three major dams of Dadin Kowa, Cham, and Balanga to promote large-scale irrigation activities.”
Yahaya noted that the Fertiliser Monitoring Committee had been strengthened to ensure that the commodity reaches intended beneficiaries promptly.
“Our objective is for rural farmers to get basic farm inputs at their door-steps”
“The Ministry of Agriculture and relevant security agencies are hereby directed to ensure strict compliance with the guidelines on the sale and distribution exercise,” he said.
The politician, however, warned the farmers against encroaching into grazing reserves and cattle routes.
He also called on herders and pastoralists, to avoid grazing on farmlands prior to harvest and evacuation of farm produce.
On the achievements of his administration in the agric sector, Yahaya noted that his government has adopted proactive strategies to turn the state into an agricultural hub through industrialization.
“This is aimed at diversifying the economy, creating job opportunities and boosting the state’s revenue base,” he added.
SOURCE: AGRONIGERIA