By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
In a bid to strengthen local agriculture and improve livelihoods, the Chairman of Gwaram Local Government Council, Professor Salim Abdurraman, has empowered 100 watermelon farmers with essential farming inputs.
During the distribution event held at the Gwaram Local Government Secretariat, Professor Abdurraman reiterated the council’s commitment to supporting rural farmers as part of Governor Malam Umar Namadi’s 12-point agenda on economic empowerment and food security.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our rural economy, and we are determined to provide our farmers with the necessary resources to enhance productivity and economic stability,” he stated.
The selected farmers, drawn from 11 political wards in the region, received a comprehensive package that included 100 bags of NPK and Urea fertilizer, 200 liters of herbicide, 200 liters of insecticide, improved watermelon seedlings, and sprayers.
“Each farmer is being provided with one bag of NPK and Urea fertilizer, one liter of pesticide and herbicide, and a sprayer—all free of charge. This initiative is designed to boost production and improve farmers’ economic conditions,” the chairman explained.
Beyond watermelon farming, the council plans to extend similar support to dry-season rice production and other agricultural ventures. The goal is to enhance food security and minimize rural-to-urban migration by creating sustainable farming opportunities.
Professor Abdurraman urged the beneficiaries to utilize the inputs effectively, assuring other farmers that further empowerment initiatives would be implemented progressively to benefit more agricultural stakeholders.