By Golok Nanmwa,Jos
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has distributed mechanised farm implements and improved seedlings to dry season farmers in Pankshin and Kanke Local Government Areas of Plateau State, as part of efforts to boost food production and enhance food security.
Yilwatda said the intervention aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to revitalise the agricultural sector for increased productivity and national food sufficiency.
Speaking during the official handover of the items in Pankshin on Tuesday, the APC national chairman, who was represented by his aide, Mr. Sunday Bugama, said the gesture was in fulfilment of a promise earlier made to farmers in the area.
He noted that the intervention targets tomato and vegetable farmers, while also introducing improved rice seedlings to diversify production.
Items distributed include 88 solar-powered water pumps, seven mobile water pumps, one mini tractor, two small diesel-powered tractors, 500 bags of improved rice seedlings, 50 knapsack sprayers, 10 brush cutters, 100 overalls and 40 pairs of rain boots.
Bugama said his principal remained committed to improving the livelihoods of rural dwellers through targeted agricultural support.
“This is a unique environment, and we have discovered that we cannot rely only on tomatoes and other vegetables. We are introducing improved rice seedlings to expand opportunities for farmers in Pankshin and Kanke,” he said.
He added that similar interventions had been carried out in other parts of the country, particularly in the North, covering states such as Kaduna, Adamawa, Yobe and Gombe.
“Between December and now, we have reached over 15 states with various interventions, especially in agriculture and other sectors aimed at improving lives,” he said.
Receiving the items, Chairman of Tomato and Vegetable Farmers in Pankshin and Kanke LGAs, Mr. Sudan Ishaku Wulmina, described the gesture as timely and impactful.
He said the intervention had brought relief to smallholder farmers who had long lacked support.
“We are surprised and grateful that the APC national chairman has shown concern for farmers at the grassroots. This is a promise fulfilled,” he said.
Wulmina disclosed that the association had earlier received N10 million support, which was disbursed as a revolving loan to farmers across the area.
According to him, no fewer than 548 farmer groups have benefitted from the intervention across Pankshin, Kanke and surrounding communities.
He assured that the newly distributed farm inputs would be judiciously utilised to improve agricultural output in the area.
