By Mohammed Bello Doka
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has launched a vital initiative to ease the financial strain on farmers in communities affected by Boko Haram insurgency. As part of his efforts to revitalize the agricultural sector, Governor Zulum has subsidised petrol to N600 per litre, specifically targeting farmers who have been struggling with the rising cost of fuel.
The subsidy aims to support irrigation farming, which has become increasingly challenging due to the high cost of petrol in the region. Governor Zulum emphasized that this move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the resilience of farmers, particularly in areas where insurgency has disrupted normal agricultural activities.
In addition to the petrol subsidy, the governor has ensured that farmers receive essential farming inputs to boost productivity. These include 2,000 bags of blended NPK fertiliser, 1,000 units of water pumps, 620 units of gasoline pumps, 380 units of solar water pumps, and 1,000 litres of pesticides and seeds. These materials are expected to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of farming practices in the affected communities.
Governor Zulum’s initiative follows the success of a similar program in Damasak, Mobar Local Government Area, which led to an increase in food production and an improvement in the livelihoods of local farmers. The governor reiterated that this new subsidy would help to further stabilize the agricultural output of the region, supporting both food security and the economy.
This subsidy program is a testament to Governor Zulum's commitment to alleviating the hardship faced by farmers in the northeastern region, fostering economic recovery, and ensuring the growth of the agricultural sector despite ongoing security challenges.
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