The Borno State government has revealed that insurgency, COVID-19 pandemic and other factors interfered in the incapability of farmers to access their farmland which are the major causes of insecurity in the country.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Bunu Mustapha, at the weekend in Maiduguri made this assertion to the newsmen, during an interaction session, saying the problem of insurgency prevented farmers from accessing their farmlands.
He however, noted that Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s doggedness and tenacity had helped as the governor wasn’t deterred by challenges.
According to him, the governor was able to achieve this by setting up Agro Rangers in addition to other existing security outfits in the State.
He said “the role of the Agro Rangers is mainly to look after farmers on their farms and protect them while cultivating their land. During the raining season in 2022, large farmlands along Dikwa, Ngala, Bama and Monguno roads were cultivated.
“The 2022 rainy season was one of the most successful years due to the bumper harvest recorded. Despite the flood which affected the southern part of the state and also caused damages to farmer lands, on the average, the harvest was good.”
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Speaking on the government’s intervention, he said the government had provided support for farmers to go into dry season farming.
The commissioner further noted that, the majority of the farmers could now access their land for cultivation. People who were not into farming because of insurgency have also started farming.
He said “Government is doing a lot to assist farmers; such as providing water pumps and seedlings to farmers. In Ngala for instance, 200 farmers were supported with wheat seeds while in Ladari around wulguo area, 145 farmers were supported with water pumps.
The government has also cleared 3,000 hectares of land in baga area and this has enabled 1000 farmers to go into farming in the area. Interestingly, the cleared areas have given farmers the opportunity to go into vegetable cultivation.”
“Meanwhile, in Isge under Gwoza local government area, 400 farmers were supported with water pumps while 200 were supported with seedlings in Jerugol, in Bayo local Government. In like manner, 300 in Fika hel also in Bayo, farmers were also assisted with seedlings and water pumps. In Shani- and gora community 50 farmers were assisted with wheat seeds while three large water pumps were given, engineers are constructing 10 water dams across the state to support dry season farming”.
However, on the safety of rice farmers in the state, the commissioner noted that the isolated nature of the area is a challenge, explaining that some stories of insecurity were to scare farmers away.
He added that there had been cases of farmers being kidnapped in certain areas, and that it had not stopped farmers from carrying out farming activities.
