The Federal Government in efforts to control the negative impact of trans-boundary pests on crops has approved an N13 billion intervention fund to also boost agricultural activities. The pest control project in 12 northern states of the federation is aimed at enhancing the national food security amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
This was made known by Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Muhammad Sabo Nanono during the flag-off ceremony of the 2020 dry season control of trans-boundary pests project IN Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State. He said the pest control project targets 12 states which have over the years been bedeviled by pests such as quelea birds, locusts, and grasshoppers.
The affected states include Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Katsina, Adamawa, Borno, Yobe, and Taraba.
According to Nanono, the pest control project was necessary following reports of locust infestation in East Africa and the Middle East.
The present administration under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari is very determined to fight any menace that would truncate the tremendous success recorded so far especially in the agricultural sector.
"The choice of Kebbi State is deliberate, in view of the extensive agricultural activities in the state and the immense cooperation and collaboration in the implementation of agricultural interventions over the years," Nanono said.
Speaking, Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu lauded the President Muhammadu Buhari administration for the proactive efforts on different issues including agriculture, security, job creation as well as diversification of the economy.
