The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has inaugurated the distribution of farm inputs, relief materials and life jackets to its member states.

Managing director of N-HYPPADEC, Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa, disclosed this during the launch of the distribution exercise in Minna on Wednesday.

Mr Sadiq-Yelwa said the commission would distribute 850 units of 13-horsepower hand-driven tillers across the ten N-HYPPADEC member states, out of which 165 were allocated to Niger.

He added that the commission would also distribute 4,000 life jackets and various relief materials to the residents of Niger, along with a cash donation of N10 million.

According to him, other items for distribution include 500 bags of NPK fertiliser, 50 cartons of pesticides and 100 cartons of herbicides to be given to flood-affected communities in Mokwa and other local government areas.

He said, “These initiatives are part of N-HYPPADEC’s mandate to promote sustainable community development in hydroelectric power-producing areas.’’

Mr Sadiq-Yelwa said the commission was collaborating with the state government and traditional institutions to achieve its goals, with particular focus on agriculture and agroforestry to improve living standards.

“We are confident that these agricultural initiatives will enhance food security, strengthen rural economies and create more opportunities for sustainable development,” he added.

In his remarks, Niger State, Governor Umaru Bago, commended President Bola Tinubu for reappointing Mr Sadiq-Yelwa as the Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC.

Mr Bago assured the commission of the state government’s continued support and pledged an additional 160 water pumps to complement the commission’s efforts.

He encouraged the farmers to embrace dry-season farming and pasture production to boost income and reduce conflicts.

“We are going to encourage farmers in the state to go into pasture production, whose prices do not crash. It will help reduce communal clashes between farmers and herders, as well as the migration of nomads across the country,” the governor said.

Mr Bago also said the state government would partner with N-HYPPADEC on water harvesting and the reticulation of water works in New Bussa and Kuta.

Also speaking, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger Council of Traditional Rulers, Yahaya Abubakar, commended N-HYPPADEC for its interventions in agriculture and disaster relief.

According to him, the efforts are contributing significantly to food security in the state and the country.

In a goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Niger Ministry of Agriculture, Matthew Ahmed, said the commission’s mechanisation initiatives for smallholder farmers aligned with the governor’s agricultural vision.

He disclosed that the Bago-led administration had provided more than 1,000 tractors to farmers in the state to enhance productivity.

(NAN)