Buhari’s free meal for pupils will boost market for farmers – LASG

The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, made the statement during presentation of agricultural inputs to 962 residents as part of the state’s Agricultural Value Chains and Empowerment programme. Lawal therefore enjoined farmers to brace up to enable them to tap into the opportunities that the incoming administration would provide when it […]

The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, made the statement during presentation of agricultural inputs to 962 residents as part of the state’s Agricultural Value Chains and Empowerment programme.
Lawal therefore enjoined farmers to brace up to enable them to tap into the opportunities that the incoming administration would provide when it takes over affairs of the country next month.
He explained that the one meal per day policy would not only encourage school enrolment across the country, but also empower farmers and other stake holders in the agricultural sector.
“With one meal per day of Buhari’s administration policy, it will empower more farmers in this state and the country at large. The incoming government will also give priority to farmers. There will be major opportunities for those in the agricultural sector. Some farmers will be responsible for the supply of eggs and food. So, it is a great opportunity for our farmers to tap into,” Lawal said.
He added that the state has embarked on aggressive empowerment of farmers with the supply of farming inputs to abolish poverty among the beneficiaries.
He said: “No fewer than 21 beneficiaries, who specialise in aquaculture will get 20 bags of fish feeds each, while for those in poultry, at least 27 of them will get 40 bags of poultry feeds. 105 piggery farmers will also get 20 bags of pig feeds.
“A total of 244 egg marketers will get 50 crates each. Butchers were also considered because most butchers are faced with challenge of capital. Majority of them said they buy the cattle on credit and pay after selling. As a result, we are giving four butchers a cow as our empowerment strategy. So, 250 herds of cattle will be given to the butchers across the state,” he said.
The commissioner commended the people of the state for voting APC into power and assured that the empowerment programme in the state will be sustained, pointing out that the APC-led government in the state is determined to do more.
“This government will fulfill whatever promises made. About 3,517 benefitted this year. The state government had in October 2014 empowered 3,149 people during the maiden edition of the programme. We have done this without the federal government’s support. You can imagine what you will benefit with the backing of an APC-led federal government. With General Buhari as the president and Ambode as our governor you can imagine the good things that will come your way,” he added.