The Minister of Science, Innovation, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, on Friday, launched the distribution of fertilizer to farmers in Enugu State.

In a speech at the event in Enugu, Mr Nnaji said it was part of President Bola Tinubu’s initiative to tackle hunger and boost food security through innovative agricultural approaches.

According to him, over 600 bags of 50-kg fertilizer will be distributed to farmers across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state.

The minister said, “This gesture demonstrates the government’s determination and commitment to support smallholder farmers in the country. We are laying emphasis more on farming and from farming under science and technology, we want to produce our raw materials. Before we can do any export, we have to add value so that our people can make money, our people can be engaged. There will be employment and economic growth, which is the main thrust of this administration.’’

In a remark, the Pro-Chancellor, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Fidelis Ede, commended the Federal Government for the gesture.

Mr Ede pointed out that the timely distribution of farm inputs would alleviate the nation’s food crisis caused by underproduction.

He said, “The reason we have hiccups in agriculture is the late distribution of inputs.

“So, if in November, the Federal Government is already distributing fertilizer, that means by February, the farmers are preparing ground for farming because they are already equipped.’’ said.

Two beneficiaries of the fertilizer, Juliet Arum and Okorie Jonathan, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the gesture.

They said that it would go a long way to boost the output from their farming activities. 

(NAN)