The Gombe State Fadama GO-CARES has begun distribution of farm inputs and assets to 125,725 farmers, to encourage agricultural productivity.
The farmers are being supported under the fourth phase of the Fadama GO-CARES programme of the state Ministry of Agriculture.
The Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Salihu Baba-Alkali, inaugurating the distribution exercise on Tuesday at Kwami town in Kwami Local Government Area of the state.
He said the gesture would support poor and vulnerable farmers in line with the agenda of Gov Inuwa Yahaya led administration, to alleviate poverty and enhance create wealth creation.
Baba-Alkali said the Fadama GO-CARES had impacted the lives of 47,482 persons and executed 32 viable projects since inception in the state.
He listed the projects to include farmer support services, construction of earth dams, access roads, culverts and drainages as well as upgrade of water and sanitary facilities,
According to him, the focus is to leverage on agriculture to create employment opportunities and enhance food security.
“Today, we are here to inaugurate the fourth phase that targets a total of 125,729 direct beneficiaries.
“Out of the number 42,300 beneficiaries will receive support as follows: 28,500 will receive agricultural inputs; 5,000 will receive agricultural assets, while 8,800 direct beneficiaries of rural infrastructure, where earth dams, culverts and drainages will be rehabilitated,” he said.
Baba-Alkali lauded the state governor for providing the necessary fund and commitment to ensure the smooth implementation of the programme which to empower younthe and women to become self-reliant.
Dr Barnabas Malle, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives, said the distribution was a continuous exercise to enhance participation in the programme and warned against diversion of the commodities.
The gesture, he said, would go a long way towards improving the social and economic wellbeing of the beneficiaries.
FADAMA Coordinator
Also speaking, Dr Babayo Makka, the Coordinator, FADAMA GO-CARES implored farmers who were yet to benefit from programme to exercise patience, noting that the distribution was being done in phases to mobilise participation in the programme.
He said the intervention was part of the government’s effort towards improving the lives and economic fortunes of the destitute and vulnerable persons in the state.
“The state government has made giant stride to boost food security, enhance agricultural productivity and improve the quality of life of rural communities.
“The infrastructure being provided will not only improve the health and wellbeing of the communities, but also stimulate economic growth and development.
“I wish to appreciate the government of Gombe State for the timely release of funds to support the activities of the GO-CARES programme across the various delivery platforms,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Magaji Babawuro said the support would aid his farming activities.
Babawuro said he had given up hope of cultivating his farmlands as he could not afford exorbitant prices of fertilisers and farm inputs.
“The input came at a time I seriously needed it because I had no hope of farming but with this input, I will now return to my farm and not be idle at home,” he said. (NAN)
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