Akwa Ibom spends N3.3bn on fertiliser

In an effort to boost production, Akwa Ibom State government has spent N3.3 billion to procure fertiliser for farmers this planting season.
Uduak Charles Udo-Inyang, commissioner for agriculture, made this known in Uyo, the state capital, saying the money was spent to procure 30,000 metric tons of fertiliser.
Udo-Inyang said out of the 30,000 tons, the state government had taken delivery of 10,000 metric tons, while awaiting the remaining 20,000 tons.
He frowned at the attitude of some farmers in the state for their inability to invest in large-scale farming, saying patronage on the fertiliser by farmers in the state had been low.
He said the fertilisers would be sold to farmers within and outside the state and enjoined youths to go into farming as it held great potential for the development of the state.
Also, the commissioners stated that the government had acquired no fewer than 10 tractors to boost mechanised and commercial agriculture, assuring that “we are going to see a very robust planting next year.’’
He urged farmers to avail themselves of the heavily subsidised farm input, which currently is sold at N6,000 per bag to complement government drive towards all-year-round availability of foods in the state.
On the scarcity of food items including garri, which is now sold at N100 per cup, the commissioner blamed foods cartel and market unions for the artificial inflation, assuring that government was working to break the clique.
“There is a clique that we are trying to get into their politics. They have formed themselves into unions in every market; we are trying to understand their politics,” he said, adding that the reforms would also ensure that standard Akwa Ibom measurement for grains was applied.
On the pest devastation of maize plant in the state, the commissioner said the state was waiting for the Federal Government’s intervention, disclosing that plans had been concluded to distribute pesticides to the affected states of the federation.

 

ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, Uyo