Bauchi Gov't Provides 10 Thousand Hectares of Land For Rice Production

...As FG engages 15 thousand youth in Bauchi as extension agents

Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of Bauchi State on Friday morning said his administration has provided a ten thousand hectares of land for rice production in the state. 

The governor announced this when the Minister of State for Agriculture and other principal officers of the Ministry paid him an advocacy visit at the Council Chamber, Government House, Bauchi.

Governor Bala Mohammed said the allocation of the hectares of land is for integrated farming activities in rice and other products in order to ensure food security. 

He said his administration has already developed a robust agricultural policy which is expected to address the challenges facing the sector by advancing the capacity of farmers and improving the state's economy. 

According to him, the role of the agricultural sector in the nation's economy cannot be over emphasized hence the need for his administration to strengthen its relationship with the Ministry to access more agricultural interventions.

"On behalf of the Government and people of Bauchi State, I welcome you to Bauchi State and we commend the Honorable Minister for starting his tour with Bauchi. You have our support because we are fully satisfied with what you are doing in the sector that you are assigned."

The governor applauded the Honorable Minister of State for Agriculture for his contributions towards the advancement of agricultural sector in the country and appreciated him for bringing relief materials to farmers in the state. 

He acknowledged the foresight of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in developing the nation's economy through agriculture.

Governor Bala Mohammed therefore reaffirmed the determination of the state government in working with critical stakeholders so as to leverage on accessing projects beneficial to the citizens of the state.

 The Minister of State for Agriculture, Honorable Mustapha Shehuri, had earlier told Governor Bala Mohammed that over 15 thousand youth have been engaged in Bauchi State to serve as village extension agents workers for the development of agriculture. 

Honorable Mustapha Shehuri said in partnership with the state governments, the federal government is to employ one million youth to serve as village extension agents across the country. 

He said the federal government has provided a number of support to farmers and it will continue to give them adequate support in areas of extension services, good quality seeds, fertilizers, agro chemicals and other necessary inputs to boost production.

He said the federal government is ready to support the state government for rice production and to continue working with stakeholders to achieve the desired objectives of diversifying the economy and modernizing the agricultural sector.

The Minister said during COVID-19 pandemic in particular, farmers across the country received massive support from the federal government in terms of funding and small scale equipment in all the states. 

"Your Excellency, our Ministry is promoting agricultural activities and integrate rural development to transform the country's economy in line with the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari."

 

"Integrated rural development is an important core mandate of the Ministry and Nigerians are witnessing a massive rural infrastructure under Buhari administration."