By Dauda R Pam Maiduguri
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State is set to collaborate with the Nigerian military to safeguard farmers during the 2021 farming season in the state.
The Governor disclosed this in Mobbar Local Government Area of the state, assuring over 3,000 farmers who are to benefit from improved seeds during this year farming period.
He directed that 3,000 families be provided with packages of inputs that would include improved seeds, fertilizer, water pumps and chemicals to safely return to their farms as they will be secured by the Nigerian military.
According to him, 3,000 families will be benefiting in a second phase of inputs’ distribution by the Governor for rain fed and irrigation farming.
The Governor visited the farms to assess progress made by the 1,200 irrigations, about which he said he was impressed.
“Earlier this year, we were here to support some of our farmers in the first phase. In this second phase, we will profile 3,000 families from those that did not benefit and we shall support them for both irrigation and rain fed farming. The 3,000 households to benefit will translate to about 20,000 or less persons benefiting from the scheme,” Zulum said.
Damasak, which was famous for massive agriculture, had farming activities suspended for nearly six years following Boko Haram’s occupation in 2014; a situation that threatened food security in the area.
“Let me commend the Nigerian military, the police and other paramilitary forces for their unprecedented support to our farmers. They allowed our farmer to safely go to their farmlands and return within stipulated time.
“To the Chief of Army Staff, the theatre commander and all principal officers, we remain eternally grateful to all of them as they steadily implement the directive of the President, that the military should secure safe farming in Borno,” Zulum said.
