A total of one hundred and thirty-five thousand bags of fertilizer worth two point three billion naira are being distributed free to farmers in Kebbi State for this rainy season.
Each of the two hundred and twenty five wards in the State has been allocated six hundred bags of the commodity for use by farmers in the area this cropping season.
This was contained in a press statement signed and issued to newsmen by the Special Adviser to the Governor on New Media, Kebbi State, Aliyu Bandado Argungu.
According to the statement, Governor Nasir Idris flagged off the distribution exercise at Kardi town near Birnin Kebbi this Thursday. Comrade Nasir Idris explained that such magnanimity was in fulfilment of his campaign promise to improve agricultural production in the State by providing agricultural input and implements as well as fertilizer and herbicides.
The governor announced that the consignment of the fertilizer was procured by the State government and Local government councils to encourage farmers to till the land and increase food production.
Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris said the incumbent administration would continue to create an enabling environment to motivate farmers to go back to farm, adding that the government has provided necessary security to farmers in Kebbi South who deserted their villages because of banditry to return back to farm.
The governor affirmed that the administration has been working jointly with security services to maintain peace and security among all communities to guarantee the protection of lives and property of the people.
Comrade Nasir Idris also launched the free distribution of grains to the inhabitants of Kebbi State to mitigate the hardship of the increase in the prices of foodstuffs in the country.
Among important personalities at the event were State APC Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Kana Zuru, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barrister Attahiru Maccido, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Yakubu Bala Tafida, Head of Service Alhaji Sufiyanu Garba Bena, Acting ChiefJudge, Justice Umar Abubakar, Acting Grand Khadi, Dr. Tukur Sani Argungu, Commissioner of Police, Samuel Musa, Hon Member House of Representatives representing Suru Bagudo, Hon. Muhammad Bello Kaoje Dallatun Bargu, State Assembly Members, Special Advisers, Permanent Secretaries,Local Government Chairmen, Local Government APC Chairmen, Representative of farmers associations.
Meanwhile the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera, CON has requested the State government to wipe out remnants of quela birds which have been destroying rice farmlands in the Emirate.
The Emir made the request when he led District heads and religious leaders on a solidarity visit to the governor at the Government House Birnin Kebbi.
The monarch informed his host that, although large chunk of destructive birds have been killed, remnants of them posed a threat to rice cultivation in the area.
Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera reaffirmed support and loyalty to the government but appealed to the governor to re-examine the suspension of five district heads in Argungu Emirate.
In response, Governor Nasir Idris thanked the Emir for the visit and gave assurance that the case of the suspended district heads would be looked into with the possibility of being reinstated.
The governor said appropriate measures would be adopted by the government to eliminate the menace of quela birds and other pests destroying crops.
