By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, on Wednesday toured about 10 farmlands in the outskirts of 4 LGAs of the state which include – Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC), Jere, Mafa and Dikwa LGCs to monitor farming activities.
During the separate unscheduled visits, Governor Zulum, who is also a Professor of irrigation farming, interacted with farmers, asking them their major challenges and problems they face during the raining season with a view to address them.
The governor, however, explained to the farmers that unlike in other states, Borno State was not able to procure and allocate NPK fertilizer to farmers because there was an existing ban by the federal government through office of the National Security Adviser to the President.
“We have long been in receipt of a security letter from the office of the National Security Adviser which placed ban on the usage of urea as well as NPK across Borno State because insurgents use these fertilizer components to produce improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
“It will therefore not augur well for the government of Borno State to distribute that fertilizer as the case in most states”, Zulum said.
He however said that the only option is to distribute liquid fertilizer to aid farming.
Prof. Zulum also expressed excitement with the turn out of farmers that he met in their farmlands during his visits.
He also got feedback from the framers that more farming activities are taking place in areas like southern Borno which has been more peaceful over the years.
The governor said it was for that reason that he directed the allocation of farm inputs and tractors to farmers in parts of the three Borno senatorial zones namely, Borno Central, Borno South and Borno North.
He further promised to prioritize farming by enhancing agricultural activities and food security across the state.
DISCLAIMER
The OPINION / COLUMN is authored by independent contributors to the National Accord Newspaper. While contributors adhere to our editorial guidelines, they are not employed by the National Accord Newspaper. The perspectives and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent the views of the National Accord Newspaper or its staff.