Nigeria's Zamfara State government has earmarked the sum of N4.3 billion ($35 million) for the procurement of fertilizer ahead of the 2008 farming season.
Governor Mahmud Shinkafi said that the amount is for the procurement of 70,000 tonnes of fertilizer, which would be made available to farmers in the state.
"During the 2007 farming season government procured 42,900 metric tons of assorted fertilizers worth N2.8 billion ($23 million) which was sold to various categories of farmers across the state at subsidized rates."
Shinkafi also disclosed that the state government was taking steps at boosting irrigation activities to complement wet season farming. He said a collaborative effort has been entered into between the state government and the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development authority for the rehabilitation of the abandoned Bakalori irrigation project for double rice cropping. Over 6,000 hectares have already been earmarked for cultivation this year.
He also said over 25,000 tube wells and water pumps are to be provided across the state to provide more food to the citizens.
allafrica.com
