Dry season: Bauchi lawmaker distributes 2, 566 bags of fertiliser

In a bid to enhance dry season farming and food production, Hon. Mansur Manu Soro, representing Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency, has distributed 2,566 bags of NPK fertilizer (15-15-15) to farmers in his constituency. This intervention aims to support irrigation farming and ensure food availability in Darazo, Ganjuwa, and Bauchi State at large.

Speaking at the flag-off event, Hon. Soro emphasized that this initiative is part of an independent agricultural support program distinct from the constituency’s annual rainy season interventions. He noted that the rainy season program has consistently provided 15,000 bags of fertilizers and other farm implements to farmers, free of charge.

The lawmaker highlighted that the distribution followed a comprehensive enumeration and clustering of farmers across the constituency’s 17 wards, ensuring that beneficiaries cultivate irrigation farmlands. The program builds on previous efforts, including the November 2023 launch of free fertilizer distribution in Darazo LGA, which reached 2,000 farmers in the Bula irrigation farmlands of Gabarin ward.

In addition to agricultural support, Hon. Soro inaugurated the installation of 150 units of luminous solar streetlights in public Tsangaya schools. This is part of a phased program to enhance public infrastructure, with the next batch of 128 solar lights set for installation in January 2025.

Beneficiaries have expressed gratitude for these initiatives, citing their impact on improving agricultural yields and enhancing public amenities.
Source- Daily Trust

Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders:
Hon. Mansur Soro’s interventions underscore the importance of deliberate policies and programs to boost agricultural productivity and rural development in Nigeria. Here are key takeaways for agri-food stakeholders:

1. Impact on Food Security- The free distribution of 2,566 bags of NPK fertilizer for dry season farming directly supports increased food production in Bauchi State. This aligns with Nigeria’s broader goals of reducing food imports and enhancing local food sufficiency. Stakeholders should explore similar subsidy programs or private-public partnerships to scale such initiatives.
2.  Strengthening Irrigation Farming- The focus on irrigation farming diversifies agricultural activities beyond the rainy season, ensuring year-round farming. This is critical in addressing climate variability and meeting the demand for staple foods. Stakeholders in the value chain, including agri-tech companies, could partner with constituencies like Darazo/Ganjuwa to offer digital advisory services or efficient irrigation technologies.
3. Data-Driven Farmer Clustering- The enumeration and clustering of farmers before the intervention highlight a best practice in targeting resources effectively. Agri-businesses can adopt such methodologies to optimize outreach and improve service delivery, especially in under-served areas.
4. Rural Development through Solar Infrastructure- The installation of solar streetlights in public Tsangaya schools showcases the potential for combining agricultural and rural development efforts. Such integrated programs improve the living standards of farming communities and can serve as a model for holistic rural transformation.
5. Sustainability Opportunities- While the interventions are commendable, sustainability is crucial. Stakeholders should engage with beneficiaries to ensure long-term benefits, possibly through training on efficient fertilizer use, irrigation practices, and solar maintenance.

Call to Action
Agri-food stakeholders, policymakers, and development partners are encouraged to:

1. Collaborate with local representatives to replicate similar models across Nigeria to boost agricultural output and rural development.
2. Invest in sustainable solutions by providing technical support and capacity building for farmers and communities to maximize the benefits of such interventions.
3. Advocate for more funding and resources toward irrigation farming, solar infrastructure, and farmer empowerment programs.