The Humanitarian Times

By Abdulkareem Haruna

As the farming season gathers momentum, Hon. Usman Zannah, the lawmaker representing Kaga/Gubio/Magumeri Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, has distributed farm implements and improved seed varieties to 3,000 farmers in Borno State.

The distribution, which took place in Maiduguri  last week, was designed to step up food production and enhance the economic self-reliance of the people in the constituency.

Beyond the distribution of fertilizers and modern equipment, the intervention focuses heavily on providing improved, climate-resilient crop varieties—a strategic move to combat the impacts of climate change and ensure higher yields for farmers in the region.

Why improved seedlings?

Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Zannah explained that the focus on high-yield, improved varieties of millet, beans, maize, and rice was intentional. He noted that these specific varieties were selected because they are well-suited to the climatic conditions of his constituency, ensuring that farmers get the best possible return on their investment of time and labour.

“This initiative is aimed at making our resilient people economically self-reliant,” Hon. Zannah said, emphasizing that providing superior seeds is the bedrock of modernizing local agriculture and ensuring food security.

To further support this, the lawmaker also unveiled a brand-new tractor, adding to an existing fleet designed to be shared across the three local government areas, thereby reducing the physical burden of farming and increasing land cultivation capacity.

Aligning with the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda

The federal lawmaker, who is serving a second term, noted that the project is in alignment with the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, aimed at revamping Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

He also acknowledged the significant contributions of Governor Babagana Zulum towards agricultural development in Borno. The lawmaker further commended the Nigerian military, particularly the troops of the Joint Task Force ‘Operation HADIN KAI,’ noting that their sacrifices in restoring peace have been the primary catalyst allowing farmers to return to their fields.

Call for sustainable practices

While handing over the inputs – which included NPK and liquid fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, farm tillers, and water pumping machines – Hon. Zannah issued a strong advisory to the beneficiaries, adminishing them to resist the urge to engage in early sales of their produce to middlemen. He warned that such practices often leave farmers at a disadvantage, as middlemen tend to purchase goods at rock-bottom prices only to resell them at exorbitant rates, ultimately depriving the farmers of the true value of their harvests.

Local stakeholders laud initiative

The event, which drew a large crowd of All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders and supporters, was lauded by local leaders.

The member representing Gubio at the Borno State House of Assembly, Gubo Moruma, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues from Magumeri and Kaga, praised Hon  Zannah for his consistent focus on grassroots empowerment.

The executive chairmen of the three local government areas – Dr. Ali Yaumi (Magumeri), Mali Bulama Mali (Gubio), and Zanna Ajimi (Kaga) – also expressed their gratitude, noting that the gesture would serve as a major morale booster for farmers and a significant boost to the local economy.

“These inputs will go a long way to inspire our people to do more in agriculture, which will consequently help the economy of the constituency and the state at large,” the chairmen noted in a collective statement.