Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello on Thursday flagged off the sale and distribution of 15,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser valued at N1.5 billion for 2017 planting a season with a warning of dear consequence for diversion of the essential farming input by any official.
He also warned farmers to avoid the temptation of selling the highly subsided fertiliser for petty gains.
The governor gave these warnings at the fertiliser distribution ceremony for this year’s farming season at Maitunmbi in Bosso Local Government area of the state.
This year’s fertiliser distribution is 200 per cent higher than 4,710 metric tonnes of fertiliser procured and distributed in 2016 cropping season.
Governor Sani Bello who pegged the price of one bag of fertiliser at N5,500, assured farmers in the state of his administration’s determination to eradicate all the drudgery associated with the implementation of agricultural policies in fulfillment of his campaign promises.
He however counselled farmers in the state to ensure judicious use of the essential farming input for maximum and bountiful harvest. He also cautioned them against selling the product for petty gains.
The governor said machineries have been put in place to avert and check sharp practices associated with the sale and distribution of the product by ensuring that only genuine farmers accessed the fertiliser in all the 274 wards of the state.
“Let me warn all farmers to avoid the temptation of selling the fertiliser for petty gains. I also warn those involved in the distribution exercise to desist from shoddy practices as anyone caught will be made to face the consequence of such actions,” the governor warned.
Earlier the state Chairman of All Farmers Assiciation of Nigeria (AFAN), Alhaji Sheri Galadima commended the efforts of the state government at ensuring that farmers in the state have access to improved seedlings, tractors, fertiliser and extension services, a development, he has improved the harvest in recent time.
Galadima was full of praises for the timely sale and distribution of fertiliser stressing that the timeliness in fertiliser distribution will enhance bumper harvest.
