Niger Govt, AFAN Partner to Produce 3million Tonnes of Food Production through Irrigation

By George Idowu

In an effort to support president Tinubu’s led administration on food security initiative, Niger state government has signed a memorandum of understanding with All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Niger state chapter on dry season farming which will subsequently lead to three million tonnes of food production.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Bologi Ibrahim.

According to the statement “AFAN will serve as outgrowers of different kinds of food for the 2024 dry season farming while Niger state government will provide 550,000 hectares of land to 35,000 farmers to produce three million tonnes of food”.

It pointed out that the farmers are to use their own lands and water resources while the state provide them with inputs worth N30 billion.

Adding that, after the production, the farmers are expected to get 40% while the state gets 60%, and it will be used to boost the economy of the state and the country at large.

Reacting to the agreement, the governor, Muhammad Umaru Bago, described the agreement as a milestone in his revolutionary plans for the agricultural sector.

He assured AFAN of its commitment to ensuring their farmlands are adequately secured and protected. Stressing that security of lives and property remains paramount to his government.

On the part of AFAN, the chairman, Shehu Galadima appreciated the governor for his inputs into agricultural sector and he also assured that the farmers will do their best in ensuring the wishes of the government becomes a reality.