The Adamawa State Commissioner of Agriculture, Professor David Finchuwa Jatau, has announced plans by the government to provide improved seeds to farmers in preparation for the upcoming farming season, aiming to ensure sufficient food supply within the state and its surrounding areas.
Speaking in Yola at the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) forum for selected farmers, which focused on the theme “NEPC Intervention for Increased Production of One State One Product (OSOP) for Export in Adamawa State,” the commissioner was represented by the Director of Engineering, Engineer Ishaya Samuila Atiwurcha.
Professor Jatau also noted that the Fertilizer Blending Machine at Damare has been fully renovated and is ready to begin production of chemical fertilizer. He emphasized that arrangements are being made to eventually produce organic fertilizer to replace chemical fertilizers.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to support the NEPC in revitalizing and enhancing agricultural activities in Adamawa.
Additionally, the Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment, Dr Ishaya John Dabari, represented by Permanent Secretary Mrs Saso Benson, stressed the importance of raising awareness among farmers, particularly those in rural areas.
Dr Dabari expressed his ministry’s support for the NEPC and highlighted the need for greater involvement in farming activities across the board. He criticized the reluctance of farmers in the state to engage in export activities and urged participants to change this narrative.
The commissioner expressed hope that the forum participants would soon receive training in relevant areas to help advance agriculture and its value chain.
Earlier, the Regional Coordinator of the NEPC, Pastor John Okore, explained that the council’s main goal is to diversify and promote non-oil products to enhance the national economy. He mentioned that the council identifies, educates, and equips economically viable sectors beyond oil to make farming more attractive and accessible.
In Adamawa, groundnuts have been identified by the council for special attention, followed by soybeans. Pastor Okore pointed out that a metric ton of groundnut sells for $1,600 abroad, which could significantly contribute to national economic growth.
In a vote of thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries, Professor Murtala Aliyu expressed gratitude for the government’s commitment and pledged that the forum would honour the support extended to them.
A highlight of the meeting was the distribution of knapsack sprayers to the beneficiaries by the NEPC, among other activities.