The Adamawa State Government has announced a N2 billion investment in agricultural inputs to support farmers and address food insecurity in the region, according to Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. David Jatau.
In an interview with newsmen on Monday in Yola, Prof. Jatau detailed the government’s initiative to provide farmers and youths across the 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs) with necessary farm inputs as they prepare for the upcoming farming season.
“One of the key policies of the government is the development of 300 hectares of farmland in each local government area, to be allocated to 300 youths to farm,” Jatau said. “They will receive inputs such as fertilisers, seeds, and pesticides at subsidised rates, and would retain the entire proceeds of their harvests.”
He highlighted that the government has a history of supporting farmers with fertilisers, seeds, and pesticides, but this year’s intervention is being implemented earlier to maximize its impact.
“Already, 10,000 bags of assorted fertilizers are on ground and ready for distribution,” he stated. “The programme has already commenced in six LGAs, including Madagali, Michika, Hong, Maiha, Demsa, and Ganye.
By next year, during the rainy season, we will extend the programme to the remaining LGAs.
Once fully implemented, we expect a significant reduction in youth unemployment.”
Prof. Jatau acknowledged that many youths in the state are eager to engage in farming but lack the necessary financial resources.
He attributed the rising levels of violence and criminality in the state to hunger and a lack of empowerment.
“So many youths want to go to the farm, but they lack the capital,” he explained. “That is why the Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, intervened by providing farm inputs and empowering the jobless youths.
The initiative is expected to increase crop yields, improve food security, and enhance the livelihoods of citizens.”
The commissioner also mentioned that the program includes training farmers on climate-smart agriculture, covering soil testing, soil texture identification, and the appropriate use of fertilizers for optimal yield.
He further recognized the contributions of organizations like the North East Development Commission (NEDC), which has donated hand-held agricultural machines, including harvesters, planters, and cultivators, to cooperative societies.
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