The Yobe government has distributed 27,569 goats and inputs to 1,590 farmers under its Agricultural Empowerment Programme.

Mamman Mohammed, spokesman for Governor Mai Mala Buni, stated this in an interview in Damaturu on Wednesday.

The programme, inaugurated by Vice-President Kashim Shettima a fortnight ago, is the brainchild of Mr Buni’s administration.

Mr Mohammed said 1,060 farmers received fertiliser, seeds, agrochemicals, sprayers, water pumps and mini farm equipment, including hand ploughs, powered tillers and multi-purpose threshers. Five hundred thirty female beneficiaries received three goats each for breeding.

He said the items had been distributed free to the farmers in 53 wards across Yunusari, Geidam, Bursari, Tarmuwa and Gulani LGAs.

According to Mr Mohammed, the programme enhances agriculture productivity, ensures food security, and stimulates economic growth.

The programme,  he said, targeted 5,300 farmers in 178 wards across the 17 local government areas of Yobe.

While urging farmers to ensure effective utilisation of the facilities, Mohammed warned against the diversion of the inputs.

A beneficiary, Babagana Ali from Yunusari, said the support would assist him to grow his food and expand his farmland for increased productivity.

Musa Aliyu, a resident of Geidam, said the equipment would enable him to practise irrigation and rain-fed farming.

Hajj Fanna Modu, another beneficiary in Bursari, lauded the gesture, adding that it goes a long way to improving her social and economic wellbeing. 

(NAN)