BY KHALID IDRIS DOYA, Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed has said that Bauchi state is now proactive by planting early maturing and drought re...
BY KHALID IDRIS DOYA, Bauchi
Governor Bala Mohammed has said that Bauchi state is now proactive by planting early maturing and drought resistance variety of all crops for economic gains as recommended by agricultural professionals
"Against the backdrop of the dwindling rainfall experienced across the northern part of the country over the years, we must think out of the box. It has therefore become necessary for us to forecast information regarding climate change."
The Governor who was speaking while flagging off the 2024 Rain-fed Season & Sale of Fertilizer & Agricultural Inputs at Dass, headquarters of the Local Government Area in Bauchi weekend, announced that the cost for the production of 50kg bag of NPK 20:10:10 which stands at the cost of N26,966 has been subsidized by the State Government at N20,000.
Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed also directed the state ministry of agriculture to ensure that at the onset of every farming season, good and durable seeds or grains would be planted to resist all the environmental problems the state is experiencing.
Mohammed also launched 60 new tractors, modern farming machines procured to encourage mechanized farming in addition to providing financial support of 250,000 dollars to selected farmers' cooperative societies across the state.
"Based on the available information from our fertilizer blending company, the cost of production of one bag of 50kg of NPK 20 - 10 - 10 stands at the cost of N26,956. Considering the economic hardship our people are facing. The state government is flagging off the sale of NPK fertilizer at a subsidized price of N20,000 per bag."
Governor Bala said, however, that considering that the Bauchi neighbours' fertiliser prices are higher and they may be coming for the state farmers, they should remember Bauchi when they close their eyes when they open them, and remember farmers in the villages.
He said to consolidate agricultural initiatives, his administration plans to acquire additional equipment in addition to employing extension workers to improve the yields.
Bala expressed his desire to support and motivate farmers to embrace farming in line with the current technological changes and new techniques. He ensured adequate security provisions for farmers to gain access to their farmlands without fear of criminals.
While commending the Federal Government, Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) and other partners, Mohammed pledged to look inward to ensure all farmers are involved.
Governor Mohammed therefore warned that the state government will not take it kindly with any person or group of persons found to be selling the government-owned fertilizer above the approved price.
Earlier, the state commissioner Ministry of Agriculture Prof. Simon Madugu Yelams, said the ministry has taken effective measures aimed at ensuring the availability of the fertilizer in all strategic locations for farmers to access the product without difficulties.
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