Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello has advocated for a special fund to be created by both state and federal governments for farmers for land preparation, and fertilizers, among others in the country.
Bello made the call when he inaugurated the operation of Falcol Fertilizer in partnership with the state government situated at the Niger State Fertilizer Company, Zungeru.
He said, “Farming is expensive in terms of land preparation and purchase of fertilizers among other things. We need a special funds to support farmers improve the production of agricultural products in Nigeria, thereby reducing the price of food stuffs”.
While expressing delight that the fertilizer company has become operational after many years of having the structure without the machines to operate, he thanked the management for agreeing to collaborate with the Niger State Government.
According to him, “I have made a request to the management of the company to sell at least 10% of their Fertilizer to farmers in the local community at the cost price as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
“I also advised that they should have a sales shop outside the facility for farmers around the facility who will buy in small quantity as most of them are subsistence farmers.”
The governor further decried the attitude of some politicians despite government efforts to provide fertilizer at an affordable rate, saying, “it is being abused by some politicians because it’s a way of making money.”
Earlier, the Marketing Manager of the Company Mr. Shola Thomas, explained that the plant is producing 100 tons a day.
He said, “We are ready to do more to satisfy the farmers by putting in more fertilizers in the market and making Niger State a hub of agricultural investment”.
