The Victims Support Fund (VSF) has flagged-off distribution of dry-season farming inputs to farmers in Gamboru Ngala communities in Ngala Local Government Area and Izge in Gwoza Local Government area of Borno State.
Speaking during the flag-off at Gamboru Ngala, VSF Executive Director, Prof. Nana Tanko who represented the Chairman, Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (Rtd), expressed delight that the earlier displaced people have returned to their communities.
Prof. Tanko said the VSF was convinced during a visit around the communities that the local government was adequately engaged in dry-season farming saying there is no doubt that the items given to them will add more value to the farmers.
She further urged the beneficiaries to use the inputs effectively to ensure that they attain the desired results at the end of the season.
Prof. Tanko said the intervention was part of VSF’s 2023 projects to support the Borno State agricultural initiatives.
“Victims Support Fund has been working in the Northeast since 2014, providing succur to victims of insurgency in areas of peace building, livelihood and recovery, construction and education.
“In this dry season intervention, VSF is supporting 3,000 farmers across the two local government; 1800 in Gamboru and 1,200 in Izge,” the ED said.
She disclosed that each farmer will receive 25kg of rice seed, 50kg of fertilizer, 2 litres of insecticides, 1 litre of herbicide and 1 knapsack sprayer.
Tanko added that agric extension workers have also been trained by VSF in the location to guide the farmers on the farm.
In his remarks, Borno state Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum who was represented by the Commissioner of Agriculture, Hon. Bawu Musami, said the VSF had always been there for the state in times of need.
Governor Zulum also expressed gratitude to the VSF for extending full support to the farmers in the state.
He noted that agriculture has always been the backbone of the nation’s economy and that it is very significant in Borno State.
Governor Zulum emphasized that rain-fed farming is no longer sustainable due to the effects of climate change, hence the need for an extensive irrigation farming.
The governor described the dry season farming support by the VSF as timely and that the gesture will go a long way in providing food in the state and the nation at large.
He therefore urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the farm implements to provide their communities with enough food.