Borno State governor Babagana Umara Zulum has commissioned 312 tractors for the 2023 farming season.
He said with the improved security situation in the state, more farmlands are expected to be put under cultivation.
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The governor also flagged off the distribution of 100 trucks of fertiliser amounting to 600,000 bags for sale to farmers in the 27 local government areas of the state.
According to the governor, every local government council will be given five tractors to undertake farming for free for the people who will only buy the diesel to be used as no charges will be made to the beneficiary.
He said the fertiliser will be sold to farmers at 25 percent rebate while those to be given tractors on loan will pay 50 percent of the cost, adding that there are 312 wards in the state and each ward will be given one tractor and 100 bags of fertiliser.
Governor Zulum urged the farmers to use the tractors strictly for the purpose intended stressing that the transition council chairmen will monitor the sales and distribution of the farm implements to ensure that they do not fall into wrong hands.
He lamented on how tractors purchased and distributed to farmers were diverted and sold at the detriment of the rural farmers by unknown middlemen, politicians and government officials , while warning that anybody found wanting in selling or diverting the tractors or fertiliser will be dealt with accordingly without fear or favour.
Zulum further assured that his government is ever ready to serve all and sundry irrespective of status in the society, but urged the citizens of the state to be patient and bear with the government , as it can not serve all at the same time but, added that nobody or part of the state would be left untouched or unreached with basic infrastructures.
He also pledged to acquire more farming implements, fertiliser, seeds and seedlings for farmers for sales and distribution across the state to boost agricultural production.
In his welcome address, the permanent secretary, State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources , Bulama Gana, commended the governor for prioritizing the agricultural sector of the state by providing farmers in both the urban and rural areas across the state with farming implements, fertiliser, seeds and seedlings at subsidised rates.
He also highlighted the achievements of the ministry under the administration of Governor Zulum as well as ongoing agricultural projects and programmes across the state towards enhancing food production and sufficiency.