Niger State Government Spends N10.7billion on Fertiliser

The Niger State Government spent N10.7 billion on the implementation of some of its agricultural programmes in the past four years, Governor Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu has said.

Aliyu, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Ahmed Matane, at the opening of a stakeholders meeting of staple crops processing zones in Minna, the state capital, said his administration spent N7.5 billion on the procurement and sale of fertiliser at subsidised rates.

He said the government had ensured a hitch-free sale of fertiliser, adding, that had helped to boost farmers’ productivity.

He said the government also procured 241 tractors at the cost of N1.5 billion for sale to cooperative groups and large-scale farmers to enhance mechanised farming.

Aliyu said his administration expended N1 billion on the implementation of commercial agriculture scheme in the state.

He said the Ministry of Agriculture had procured and sold to the public, grains valued at N757 million, adding that grains were also distributed free-of-charge to indigent members of the society.

Aliyu said the state government had resuscitated the agricultural extension services to enable farmers adopt and improve on their productivity.