The Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, has called on the federal government to launch an investigation into the delayed distribution of fertilizers to states by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Nwebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North under the APC, made this appeal on Saturday in his hometown, Mbeke, Ishieke, located in the Ebonyi Local Government Area. During the event, he distributed over 2,200 bags of fertilizers to farmers across his senatorial district.
The lawmaker emphasized that an immediate investigation is necessary, as the delay in fertilizer distribution undermines the objective of providing timely agricultural inputs to farmers for the 2024 farming season.
“The Senate will urge President Bola Tinubu to investigate those responsible for the delay. For instance, in Ebonyi, fertilizers are arriving when farmers are already harvesting their crops,” Nwebonyi stated.
He stressed the importance of timely distribution, suggesting that fertilizers and other farm inputs should be delivered between March and September to ensure a successful harvest and bolster food security across the nation.
“Receiving inputs on time is crucial for farmers to plan their farming seasons effectively,” Nwebonyi added, urging the government to reconsider the practice of using intermediaries in the distribution process.
“We recently celebrated our new yam festival, indicating that farmers have begun harvesting yams. So, where are we supposed to use these fertilizers now?” he questioned, calling the delay an affront to both the Senate and the Nigerian public.
Nwebonyi also encouraged leaders and citizens to engage in actions that would guide the country toward resolving its myriad challenges.
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his support of farmers through agricultural incentives, including the provision of farm inputs aimed at boosting crop yields.
“The president donated 1,200 bags of fertilizer to each of the 109 senatorial districts in the country,” Nwebonyi concluded.
(NAN)
