Hussaini Kafi in Kano
Farmers in Jigawa State have accused agro dealers of sabotaging the Federal Government’s National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro Pocket (NAGS&AP) program by allegedly recycling agricultural inputs.
During a monitoring exercise conducted by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture in Dutse and Miga Local Government Areas, farmers expressed concerns over delays in receiving essential inputs like fertilizers, agrochemicals, and improved seeds.
They alleged that some dealers were using agents to purchase these inputs immediately after distribution, hoarding them for resale to other farmers at inflated prices.
This practice, according to the farmers, forces them to wait for extended periods, sometimes exceeding ten days, to access their allocated shares.
The State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Jigawa, Sale Saidu, acknowledged the challenges faced by farmers.
He explained that the NAGS&AP program aims to support small-scale farmers by providing subsidized inputs to enhance their productivity and reduce reliance on loans.
The program targets 80,000 farmers across the state, with 60,000 registered so far.
Saidu attributed the delays to ICT network issues and transportation challenges in delivering inputs to distribution centers.
He assured farmers that the ministry is actively working to resolve these issues and ensure timely access to the necessary resources.
He urged farmers to cooperate with the ministry and utilize the inputs effectively to achieve the program’s objectives.
The NAGS&AP initiative is a key component of the Federal Government’s strategy to enhance food security and promote sustainable agricultural development across Nigeria, implemented in collaboration with the African Development Bank.
