Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory, Ramatu Aliyu has inaugurated a Ministerial Committee to determine the approach that would be employed for the procurement of fertilisers and agricultural inputs ahead of the 2021 farming season.

This was disclosed by the minister at the inauguration ceremony on Monday.

Aliyu gave a two-week ultimatum to the five-member committee to deliver on the assignment given, stating that time is of the essence.

The minister, who was represented by her Senior Special Assistant on Administration, Prof. Muhammad Usman further tasked the committee to cultivate ideas that would help the FCT Administration define means to support farmers hence improving their productivity.

She said that the terms of reference of the committee were to determine the modalities for the timely purchase and distribution of fertilisers and non-fertiliser inputs for the 2021 farming season.

She also revealed that the committee is expected to review farming activities of groups and corporate entities in the Federal Capital Territory and also devise means to support them in increasing productivity.

“Others include to review the farming calendar in the FCT and make recommendations for optimising food production and to examine any other matters relevant to the exercise of this mandate and make recommendations as appropriate,” Aliyu said.

The minister, however, said that the committee was at liberty to extend its tentacles of operations to achieve its set goals and objectives.

Responding, Chair of the Committee and Special Assistant to FCT Minister of State on Special Duties, Malam Abubakar Ibrahim lauded the minister for the confidence reposed on them.

He pledged the commitment of the committee to deliver on the task assigned.

SOURCE: AGRONIGERIA