By Oluyemi Oni
Kwara Government, says it has concluded arrangements to begin the second phase of disbursement of crop inputs and assets to eight thousand (8000) indigent farmers across the 16 Local Government Areas in the state.
This is contained in a statement issued from the Communications Officer, Kwara Fadama CARES, Dr Sangodare Ayinla in Ilorin.
”The second disbursement by the platform is coming as another phase of succour intended by Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to cushion the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the poor and vulnerable farmers in the state.
”The intervention partly covers the palliative measures designed by government for ameliorating the inconveniences evoked by fuel subsidy removal,” the statement read.
It quoted the State Coordinator, Kwara Fadama NG-CARES, Busari Toyin Isiaka, to have said that the second batch of distribution will go a long way to expand the chosen enterprises for the concerned beneficiaries and the state bumper food production.
“Kwara Fadama CARES is about to bring another opportunity for the indigent farmers in the state.
”The platform had earlier reached out to about 7000 indigents, but in this phase, we are taking care of 8000 indigent farmers across all the local government areas in the State.
”It should be noted that this intervention is to execute the palliative measures to ease the inconveniences caused by subsidy removal.
“While the Fadama NG-CARES is focused on calming the storm brought by the COVID-19 invasion and relive people of the hassle inflicted by subsidy removal, it is a veritable tool to reduce hunger and control poverty among the poor and vulnerable.
”This is a great avenue used by the Governor to re-affirm and fulfil his policy of enhancing food security through dedication to agricultural revolution,” he said.
Busari lauded the efforts of the governor for always coming to the aid of the poor and vulnerable by improving their economic status and curtailing hunger and poverty, saying that he has never disappointed Kwarans, especially farmers in the State.
The SPC appreciated the usual cooperation received from the Representative of the Permanent Secretary and management of the Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development and State Fadama Technical Committee.
Busari listed items to be distributed to include: Maize and Soya beans seeds; fertiliser; agro-chemicals; sprayers and smoking kilns.
He noted that the distribution will be based on the enterprise (inputs or assets) of the group beneficiaries.