Niger Govt. pledges more support for small scale women farmers

THE Niger Government, has pledged more support to the state chapter of the Small Scale Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON), to develop its agri-business potential.

Idris Gbogan, Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, made this known while inaugurating a one-day town hall meeting in Minna.

Gbogan, represented by Danladi Musa, Director, Engineering Services, of the ministry, explained that the government was very passionate about developing agriculture especially, with women farmers in the state.

he disclosed that the state government had just approved N70 million for the procurement of women and youth friendly agricultural equipment in the state.

he explained that the measure would help women and youths engage in gainful agricultural activities in the state.

“As soon as the funds are released, it will assist women and youths in dry season farming,” he said.

he noted that since more of the agricultural activities were done by women, there was need to carry them along in the government’s quest to ensure food security in the state, and also to uplift the living standard of families.

“We are absolutely behind the SWOFON. We will do more to support women farmers in the state to develop their potentials,” he said.

The permanent secretary also disclosed that N80 million had been budgeted by the state government to transport fertilisers to the 25 local government areas (LGAS) of the state, for easy access by farmers, especially women.

he noted that in the 2022 budget under review, the state government procured assorted grains worth N50 million for onward distribution to all farmers.

Similarly, Mohammed Pati, Director of Administration, Niger State Planning Commission, urged the SWOFON to collaborate with the commission and the state Ministry of Finance, to ensure proper budgetary allocation for the organisation. (NAN)