Firm distributes inputs, pumping machines to kebbi rice farmers

As part of efforts to enhance food security and improve livelihoods of smallholder farmers, Oxfam with the support of the European Union has commenced the distribution of dry season farm inputs to farmers in Kebbi State.

In the exercise, 6,000 bags of fertilisers were distributed to 1,500 farmers and 400 surface irrigation water pumps to over 62 farmer groups for the 2017 dry season farming activities.

The Guardian learnt that strategic linkage of smallholder farmers to inputs such as fertilisers and pumping machines was part of the several components of the Pro Resilience Action (PROACT) Project, a European Union Support to Food Security and Resilience in Northern Nigeria.

Speaking at the flag off ceremony in Birnin Kebbi, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Mohammed Dandiga implored the beneficiaries to make good use of the inputs to improve their productivity.

He said: “You are not the only dry season farmers in the state, but you are privileged to be selected. That is why it is very important for you to keep to all the rules and ensure you fulfil your own side of the commitment so that other farmers will benefit as well.”