Katsina Times 

In a momentous event at the Zamfara State Ministry of Agriculture, Governor Dauda Lawal officially inaugurated the Nigeria Coronavirus (COVID-19) Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (N-CARES) programme, marking the commencement of the Fadama III project. This initiative, aimed at revitalizing the agricultural sector, will disburse farm inputs and assets to beneficiaries across 14 local government areas.

Governor Lawal's commitment to agricultural development was highlighted in a statement by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris. Over 700 power tillers and seeds for rice and maize are slated to be distributed among 19,000 farmers, reflecting the administration's determination to bolster the agricultural landscape.

In his address at the launch, Governor Dauda Lawal reaffirmed the state's dedication to social interventions, particularly for the less privileged and vulnerable individuals in Zamfara. He emphasized the significance of the Fadama III programme, projecting empowerment for 100,000 farmers with essential equipment and seeds over the next four years.

"With the signing of our 2024 Rescue budget, this initiative reinforces our commitment to taking essential strides in realizing our targets within the agricultural sector," Governor Lawal stated. He underscored the program's multi-sectoral approach, addressing challenges and seizing opportunities for a robust post-pandemic recovery.

Governor Lawal outlined key objectives for the Fadama III project, including improving the productivity of 11,760 farmers through the provision of vital inputs like fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, improved seeds, and seed dressing chemicals. Additionally, the government plans to allocate 33,000 bags of fertilizer for the upcoming dry season, comprising 22,000 bags of NPK and 11,000 bags of Urea.

The ambitious agenda extends to the distribution of over 700 power tillers and seeds for rice and maize to 19,000 farmers. Furthermore, 735 groups, each consisting of ten farmers, will receive Power Tillers, while 2,550 individuals are set to benefit from small ruminant animals. Governor Lawal emphasized that the state government will continue to provide essential input support, construct and rehabilitate access roads, and allocate assets to mitigate food loss and waste, ensuring a comprehensive approach to agricultural development.