By Emmanuel Antswen
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) donated 16,169 litres of liquid gel fertiliser to the Benue State Government on Thursday.
NEMA Director General (D-G) Mrs Zubaida Umar said the fertiliser was under the National Food Security Council-Emergency Agricultural Intervention (NFSC – EAl) for states affected by 2018 conflicts.
Umar, who was represented by Mr Bashir Garga, Zonal Director, NEMA, North Central, said the fertiliser was a balance of fertiliser meant for states affected by 2018 conflicts.
The D-G stated that NEMA commenced distribution of NPK fertiliser to affected farmers in 2020.
She further explained that they could not continue due to the changes in the regulations by the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI).
According to her, the changes led to the termination of the contract between NEMA and the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) for the supply of NPK fertiliser to beneficiaries’ states.
“Based on recommendations from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), NEMA commenced the process of seeking approval to substitute from granular powder fertiliser to liquid gel fertiliser.
“You are kindly to note that one litre of liquid gel fertiliser is equivalent to 50 kg of NPK 20-10-10 fertiliser.
“The liquid fertiliser supplied was from certified and licensed suppliers of liquid gel fertilisers.
“The intention of President Bola Tinubu was that the fertiliser would reach the beneficiaries before the expiration of the cropping season.
“I would like to take this opportunity to appreciate the governor of Benue for his efforts towards agricultural empowerment and food security in the state,” he said.
Gov. Hyacinth Alia commended President Tinubu and NEMA for always remembering the people of Benue, especially in their difficult moments.
Represented by his Principal Private Secretary (PPS), Dr Emmanuel Chenge, Alia said the fertiliser would reach all the target people.
Alia said that the State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources would enlighten the people on its application for maximum output.
He further urged Benue people to produce what they eat, especially the workers, adding that their salaries alone may not sustain them adequately.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary (ES), State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Sir James Iorpuu, said most IDPs have returned to their farms in the state.
Iorpuu said the fertiliser would greatly help the farmers to improve their agricultural produce.
Also, the Commissioner for Agricultural and Natural Resources, Prof. Moses Ogbaji, said the fertiliser would be tested in the laboratory to know its content.
Ogbaji further said that the state had never had it this good and urged the federal government to continue supporting the state. (NAN)
