Nigerian Concord Newspaper
Ekiti State Government has commenced full implementation of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro Pocket (NAGS-AP) programme, an initiative spearheaded by the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu. This programme is aimed at boosting agricultural production, enhancing food security, and empowering farmers across Nigeria.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, announced the development in a statement released in Ado-Ekiti. He noted that the programme’s launch in Ekiti State follows the State Government’s successful fulfilment of the necessary requirements, including the inauguration of a State Working Committee. He added that the proactive efforts of the State Government are already yielding results, with highly subsidised agrochemicals, fertilisers, and other inputs arriving in the state for distribution to Ekiti farmers.
Mr Boluwade revealed that 10 redemption centres have been established across strategic locations in Ekiti State for the distribution of agricultural inputs. The centres for Moba/Ilejemeje and Ikole/Ekiti East, located at Ikosu Town and the ADP office in Ikole, are already operational. He added that additional centres in Ado-Ekiti/South West, Ayekire, Oye/Ido Osi, Efon/Ekiti West, Ijero, Emure, Ikere/Ise Orun, and Irepodun/Ifelodun will be opened in the coming days.
The Commissioner further explained that fertilisers, including Urea, SSP, NPK liquid fertiliser, as well as agrochemicals such as 100% selective herbicide, 100% selective first emergence, 100% insecticides, 10kg bags of maize seeds, and cassava stems, have been supplied to the Moba/Ilejemeje redemption centre.
Boluwade emphasised the Federal Government’s commitment to covering 75% of the cost of these items, with farmers contributing just 25%. He urged farmers in the Moba/Ilejemeje axis to visit the Ikosu-Ekiti town hall redemption centre for their inputs or contact the officer in charge, Abolaji Olufemi, on 08024811866. Those in the Ikole/Ekiti East axis are advised to visit the ADP office in Ikole or contact Matthew Adeola on 08163278801.