The Federal Government will sow 2 million jumbo cashew seedlings in five North-Western States, according to Vice President Kashim Shettima.
He made this declaration when paying Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad-Mera, the Emir of Argungu, a condolence visit at his palace in Argungu.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Vice President Shettima traveled to Kebbi to express his condolences to the Sheikh Abubakar Giro-Argungu family, the Kebbi State administration, and the Emir following his death on Wednesday.
Benefitting states
These initiative’s beneficiaries include the states of Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Kaduna.
“I have already raised 2 million jumbo cashew seedlings in Borno,” said Vice President Shettima. “We shall start moving them to Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and other North-Western States.”
Shettima highlighted the state of Kebbi’s agricultural potential, pointing out that its rich loamy soil is ideal for growing a range of crops. He stated that there is no excuse for the state’s residents to be impoverished.
FINANCING
Shettima said that he had spoken with the governor of Kebbi about a $163 million loan from the African Development Bank for wheat farming, guaranteeing that the cash will be awarded to any state that stands out in that regard.
- It won’t be like the Anchor Borrowers’ Scheme; instead, interested states will be provided with fertilizer, seeds, and solar-powered water pumps, and by November 10 we will begin sowing wheat. We are prepared to start working if Kebbi can supply 10,000 hectares of cropland, he said.
- Since Jigawa has adequate farmland to contribute to the plan and the state is generally quiet, we have decided to start there with 50,000 hectares.
- “The state government will train extension workers who will go round to ensure that our people understand modern farming,” he added.
Kebbi Governor’s Reaction
Governor Idris expressed his gratitude to the Vice President for the condolence visit and assured that all the developmental projects initiated in Kebbi were a result of his mentorship.
He highlighted significant investments in fertilizers, road construction, and the State Ultra-modern Secretariat.
