Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau on Wednesday said that arrangements had been concluded to make available 20,000 tonnes of fertiliser to farmers in the state for the 2017 farming season.

The governor, who was represented by Prof. Sonni Tyoden, the Deputy Governor, announced this in Jos when he declared open the state’s maiden edition of Agricultural Summit tagged: Remodeling Agriculture in Plateau State for Enhanced Livelihood

Lalong said that the state would acquire the fertilisers through the Federal Government’s Special Fertiliser Intervention Programme.

‘‘Presently, we have placed order for 20,000 tonnes of fertilisers for the 2017 farming season through the Federal Government’s Special Fertiliser Intervention Programme.

‘‘Arrangements have been concluded to start receiving the fertilisers for onward distribution to the farmers.

‘‘The sales of these fertilisers are billed to commence across the state after the official launch in a week’s time,’’ he said.

Lalong also disclosed that his administration had, since its inception, provided 39,000 tonnes of assorted fertilisers to farmers at 50-per-cent subsidised prices.

He said that in recognition of the fact that some parts of the state had recorded early rainfall, the government had procured agro-chemicals and rice seeds for the 2017 farming season.

He added that the inputs would be sold to farmers at 50-per-cent subsidised prices.

The governor urged farmers to take due advantage of the summit to learn more about modern agricultural practices and how to boost food production in the state.

Also speaking, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, commended the Plateau Government for organising the summit.

The minister, who was represented by Mr Quadri Olalekan, an official of the ministry, said that the summit would provide the participants with an opportunity to understand the need to adopt agriculture as a means of livelihood.

In her speech, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Linda Barau, said that the summit was aimed at developing the agricultural potential of the state

She added that the summit would also showcase the state’s agricultural capabilities, with a view to attracting investors to the state.

‘‘We are here to rigorously discuss issues relating to agriculture, with the target of making Plateau an agricultural hub and the food basket of the nation,’’ she said.

count | 122

Govt. To Assist Farmers With 20,000 Tonnes Of Fertiliser