Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has ordered for the arrest of the Chairman of All farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Kiyawa LGA, Isyaku Katanga, for extorting farmers N2000 on each bag of fertilizer meant for wheat farmers in the area.
Wheat farmers in the area had been provided with subidised faterliser for the ongoing rainy season farming.
However, during an unscheduled visit in the area, the Governor learnt that the AFAN Chairman had added extra N2000 on the approved price of the fertiliser.
He, therefore, directed the Divisional Police officer (DPO) in Kiyawa to ensure that they retrieve the money collected from the farmers.
According to him, the State Government has expressed concern over delay and poor arrangements by Agro Dealers assigned to distribute farm inputs for wheat farmers in the state.
He also paid similar unscheduled visit to some centers in Birnin Kudu local government area, where he warned that the state government would not tolerate fertilizer racketing attitude.
He, therefore, called on the stakeholders to ensure registered farmers received their allocation in good time so that they would be able to start early preparation for Wheat dry farming season.
Governor Namadi also reiterated his government resolve to ensure farmers in the state compliment the federal government plans of cultivating 100 hectares of wheat during this irrigation farming season.
The Governor also pledged to ensure that full package is given to the registered farmers as directed by the Federal Government.
Some of the farmers expressed gratitude to the state Governor for the concern and pledged to support the state government efforts of assisting the farmers.
