Don’t sell farming inputs provided for you – FG tels farmers

Nigeria’s Federal Government (FG) has warned smallholder farmers against selling the agricultural inputs it has provided for them.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mahmood Abubakar, gave the warning on Monday during the flag off and distribution of agricultural inputs during the Special Intervention Programme for Small-holder farmers.

The agricultural inputs distributed include:  knapsack sprayer – 450; maize thresher, 30; sesame cleaning machine- 8; mechanical cashew picker – 80, among others.

The minister said the distribution was part of efforts of the ministry to intervene in the sufferings of the smallholders as result of insecurity and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many of the farmers who spoke to TheNewsGuru.com thanked the government for considering them in the gesture.

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Shehu Ahmad, who is one of the beneficiaries, told our correspondent that the inputs distributed to them would go a long way in enhancing their productivity.

He stressed the need for continued support from government, especially in the area of other forms of farming, apart from rainy season farming.

Others who spoke in that direction expressed gratitude and promises to make judicious use of the inputs for improved productivity.