By Raymond Enoch
The Taraba State Government is poised to enhance local food production through mechanized farming, with the aim of boosting food supply and contributing to Nigeria’s agricultural exports.
This was disclosed by Hon. Zanau Hassan Maikasuwa, the Special Adviser to the Taraba State Governor on Agriculture and Food Security, during an exclusive interview with Ziti News in Jalingo.
According to Maikasuwa, the state’s agricultural policies are designed to empower farmers by shifting from subsistence farming to mechanization.
“We are focused on not just processing agricultural goods within the state but also moving towards industrialization. This is why we have partnered with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and ECOWAS Bank of Investment and Development to secure the necessary funding for processing our agricultural produce,” he explained.
Maikasuwa highlighted that the government is prioritizing youth empowerment in agriculture, with the Food and Agricultural Sustainability Committee, led by the Emir of Muri, Alhaji Abbas Njidda Tafida, tasked with improving food production and ensuring food security across the state.
In response to concerns about meeting the needs of farmers, Maikasuwa revealed that the state government distributed fertilizers earlier this year, receiving 70 trucks from the Federal Government to support dry season farming.
He also noted that funding plans are in place for purchasing tractors and developing processing and aggregation zones in locations such as Sokundi Rice Mill in Wukari, Garin Mallam in Lau, and Karim Lamido.
On the issue of insecurity, which could potentially affect agricultural activities, Maikasuwa assured that the government is working tirelessly to secure the state by supporting security formations.
“Security is at the heart of the government’s agenda, and we’ve provided surveillance vehicles to secure our borders, allowing citizens to sleep peacefully.
A safe environment is crucial for our agricultural goals,” he added.
The Taraba State Government is also preparing to mark World Food Day 2024, with plans to showcase the state’s agricultural achievements at both national and state levels.
However, feedback from farmers in the state was mixed. While some expressed satisfaction with the government’s policies, others noted that they were yet to feel the impact
Bakoji Abdulhamed Shehu, a farmer from Lau, said he missed being enlisted in the farmers’ census but remains hopeful that the government’s initiatives will benefit him.
Similarly, Mr. Timothy M. Audu from Jalingo expressed optimism about the state’s agricultural policies, though he was also not captured during the census.
Despite the challenges, Maikasuwa reiterated the government’s commitment, stating, “We are progressing steadily, and we are on track to achieve our goals in the agricultural sector.”
The effectiveness of agricultural policies plays a crucial role in ensuring food security, job creation, and income generation for the people of Taraba State.