FG grants 50% subsidy on fertilizer #nigeria

The Federal Government on Friday in Abuja said it had
granted Zamfara farmers a 50 per cent subsidy
on fertiliser in a bid to encourage agricultural
production in the state.
The Minister for Agriculture and Rural
Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, made the
announcement during a courtesy call on him by
the Zamfara branch of the All Farmers
Association.
He commended the farmers for keying into
federal government’s Growth Enhancement
Support (GES) scheme and called on farmers
across the country to take a cue from Zamfara
farmers.
Adesina said it was time Nigerians appreciated
their local farmers and patronise what was
produced locally, saying ``we cannot continue to
develop the farmers of foreign nations’’.
``I am so proud of you farmers. You have set an
example for other farmers to follow and I am
very happy.
``As for your request for a 50 per cent subsidy
on fertiliser to make it more affordable for you, it
is hereby granted. You shall have a 50 per cent
subsidy,’’ he said.
The minister said government had made
adequate preparations to raise rice production to
1.6 million tons in the 2013 dry season farming
and to 987,000 tons in the wet season.
Adesina however said Nigeria would be a major
power in food production if farmers co-operate
with the government on its policies and key into
them.
He assured the farmers of his continuous support
and urged them not to be discouraged but work
hard as food importation would soon become a
thing of the past.
Earlier, the Chairman, Zamfara Farmers
Association, Alh. Sani Dahiru, had appreciated the
efforts of government to transform agriculture in
the country.
He said farming was a profession they are proud
of and called on government to quicken the
implementation of policies made to develop the
sector.
``For us in Zamfara, farming is our pride, and we
are calling on government for a 50 per cent
subsidy on fertiliser and other inputs to make
them more affordable for us,’’ Dahiru said.
He however urged the minister to keep to his
promise on rice plants and agricultural
equipment.
``We are hoping they will all come very soon,’’
he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that
the highlight of the event was the presentation of
a plaque to the Minister by the association.
Dahiru said the award was in recognition of his
support to farmers and achievements within a
short time in office.
NAN reports that a former Governor of Zamfara,
Alhaji Mahmud Shinkafi, and a former Minister of
State for Agriculture, Dr. Malami Buwai, were
present at the event.
Other associations represented at the event
included the Association of Agro-dealers, Rice
Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), and Cattle
Rearers Association, among others.