FG approves N13b intervention fund for pest control amidst COVID-19

The Federal Government has approved N13b Intervention Fund to boost agricultural activities during this year’s farming season in12 frontline states.

 

The N13b Intervention Fund would be used to control trans-boundary pests and minimise impacts of COVID-19 on the sector and guarantee national food security.

 

Alhaji Muhammad Sabo Nanono, Minister of Agricultural and Rural Development, revealed this during the flag-off of the 2020 dry season control of trans-boundary pests, such as quelea birds, locusts and grasshoppers for 12 frontline northern states, held at Birnin Kebbi International Airport, Kebbi State, at the weekend.

 

These states include Katsina, Sokoto, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Yobe, Bauchi, Taraba, Gombe, Adamawa, and Borno.

 

Alhaji Muhammad Sabo Nanono, said the reports of desert locust outbreak in East Africa and the Middle East, with the possibility of a spillover of the huge locust swarm into West Africa, including Nigeria, necessitated the proactive measures.

 

In his words he said that the choice of Kebbi State is deliberate, as they consider the extensive agricultural activities in the state and the immense cooperation and collaboration in the implementation of agricultural interventions over the years.

 

He applaudes Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, the state Governor, and other governors of the frontline states for their collaboration and cooperation with the ministry towards reducing the effect of the migratory pests in the 12 states.