The Adamawa government says it has invested N2 billion in the procurement of agricultural inputs ahead of the farming season to curb food insecurity.

David Jatau, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, disclosed this in an interview with journalists on Monday in Yola, the state capital.

Mr Jatau said the initiative would boost the agriculture sector by providing farmers and youths with essential farm inputs as they prepared for the season.

He said the inputs would be distributed across the 21 local government areas (LGAs) as part of the government’s agricultural intervention programme.

“One of the key policies of the government is the development of 300 hectares of farmland in each local government area, to be allocated to 300 youths to farm.

“They will receive inputs such as fertilisers, seeds, and pesticides at subsidised rates and would retain the entire proceeds of their harvests,” he said.

Mr Jatau said the government had previously supported farmers with the supply of fertilisers, seeds, and pesticides.

“Already, 10,000 bags of assorted fertilisers are on ground and ready for distribution; the programme has already commenced in six LGAs, including Madagali, Michika, Hong, Maiha, Demsa, and Ganye.

“By next year, during the rainy season, we will extend the programme to the remaining LGAs. Once fully implemented, we expect a significant reduction in youth unemployment,” Mr Jatau said.

The commissioner noted that many youths in the state were willing to engage in farming but lacked the necessary capital.

According to him, the rising rate of violence and criminality in the state is a fallout of hunger and lack of empowerment.

“That is why the Adamawa State governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, intervened by providing farm inputs and empowering the jobless youths,” the commissioner stated.

Mr Jatau also acknowledged the contributions of many organisations supporting the state’s agricultural sector, especially the North-East Development Commission (NEDC).

(NAN)