The Kebbi authorities has focused manufacturing of 150,000 metric tones of potatoes below its Residual Moisture Crop Manufacturing Scheme.
The programme, an initiative of Gov. Nasir Idris, is designed to help farmers affected by the 2024 devastating floods, to recoup their investments and resume regular life.
The state authorities supported the affected farmers to have interaction in crop manufacturing at Raha, Bahindin Bagogo and Mayama in Bunza, Bagudo and Maiyama Native Authorities Areas of the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Shehu Ma’azu stated this on Saturday throughout an inspection of potato plantations at Raha village in Bunza LGA.He stated the state authorities distributed fertilisers, improved seeds and chemical substances to the farmers, to allow them to domesticate potatoes, cassava and maize.
“We got down to have interaction 10,000 farmers, as at in the present day, we have now about 16,000 farmers which are partaking in potatoes, cassava and maize manufacturing.
“We expect at the least 15 tones per hectre of potatoes, so, when you multiply 15 by 10,000, you arrive on the complete quantity.
“The essence is to carry psychological reduction to the farmers for them to really feel that the federal government indentified with them, and so they may stay after the devastation brought on by the floods,” he stated.
Ma’azu attributed the flooding within the state to overflowing of the River Zamfara, a primary tributary of River Niger.
He stated that the governor had notified the Federal Ministry of Agriculture over the catastrophe within the state, and burdened the necessity to change the pains of the folks to features.
“We went again and brainstorm within the ministry and agreed that we must always use the residual moisture left behind by the flood to supply early maturing crops reminiscent of potatoes, cassava and in some locations maize,
“The governor gave us all of the help wanted to encourage the affected farmers to enter crops manufacturing.
“We’re right here in the present day, to see what they planted and a few of them have began harvesting their potatoes. It is a superb omen for us,”he stated.
Whereas appreciating the response of the taking part communities, Mu’azu stated the ministry had organised a stakeholders’ engagement to fasttrack profitable implementation of the programme.
“You possibly can see, from right here to Mungadi to Mayalo, it’s about seven to 10 kilometres, there are potatoes throughout, indicating acceptability of the programme,” he stated.Ma’azu stated the state authorities would develop a potato worth chain to make sure sustainability, and encourage farmers to supply extra for larger financial advantages
