Honourable Muktar Shagaya, member representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, has commenced the distribution of over 600 bags of 50kg fertilizer to small holder farmers across the Constituency.
The programme was the first phase of the exercise which formed part of a broader strategy to ensure sustainable agricultural practices.
Shagaya, who is also the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Basic Education, explained that the programme was designed to empower the farmers within the Constituency to be able to minimize the challenges faced with food production and improve the quantity and quality of farm produce for the people of Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency and beyond.
The event held at the Constituency Office in Ilorin, featured the lawmaker distributed fertilizers to members of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Ilorin West and Asa Local Government Areas, individuals and party members, who are also genuine farmers.
Speaking to the newsmen in Ilorin, Basheer Luqman, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Honourable Shagaya said, “the impact of climate change and over cultivation of farm land has negatively affected the quality of the soil for farming. This has resulted in lower yield of crops produce. It is on this note that Shagaya distributed today to empower our farmers and improve their yield,” he said.
Appreciating the gesture, the Chairmen of AFAN in Ilorin West and Asa Local Government Areas noted that the distribution of such a significant quantity of fertilizer demonstrates a substantial investment in the agricultural sector, reflecting a commitment to enhancing food security and supporting the livelihood of farmers to boost food production in the state.