Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has inaugurated the sales of 6,000 bags of fertilizers to dry season farmers in the state.
Speaking during the exercise on Wednesday in Lafia, the governor said it was aimed at supporting farmers to enhance crop production.
Sule said that his administration had demonstrated commitment to the agricultural sector through sales of fertilizers and other farm inputs at subsidised rate.
He noted that the state was endowed with fertile land and good climate for the production of different crops which was why majority of its people are involved in agriculture.
“This administration has remained resolute in its determination to ensure that agricultural potentials of the state are fully harnessed for the overall benefit of the people,” Sule said.
The governor explained that the state government bought each bag of fertilizer for N9,300 but would sell at a subsidised rate of N7,000 each.
Sule also commended farmers for their commitment which resulted in the state being placed first in the production of sesame seeds and cassava in the country.
He said the state occupies fifth position in rice production in Nigeria, adding that the government would continue support farmers to ensure that the situation improves.
According to him, the rating is due to the enabling environment created by his government the support by farmers.
“We would create market for sesame seeds and cassava farmers here in the state so that farmers would benefit more from their labour.
“With these kind of performance from farmers, we have no option than to continue to support you by creating an enabling environment,” the governor said.
Sule warned against the diversion the fertilisers and other farming inputs and sale to middlemen.
He stressed that violators would be severely punished, irrespective of their status in the society.
Earlier, Mr Samuel Meshi, Nasarawa State Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), thanked the governor for his support to farmers and promised to continue to make the state proud.
Also, Alanana Emmanuel, Programme Manager, Nasarawa State Agricultural Development Programme (NADP), expressed gratitude to the governor for the gesture and promise to farmers to continually intervene to boost Agricultural production.
