Select Page
Taraba Government Flags-Off Wet Season Input Distribution to Farmers

Taraba Government Flags-Off Wet Season Input Distribution to Farmers

The Taraba state government has flagged-off the 2022 wet season input distribution which will kick start the distribution of essential farm inputs to farmers in the 2022 wet season as part of Nigeria’s Covid-19 recovery and economic stimulus programme, under the Fadama Taraba CARES.

The flag-off was done by the Executive Governor, Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku, who was ably represented by his Deputy, Engr. Haruna Manu.

He stressed that since farmers have begun farm preparation for the 2022 wet season, the distribution of these inputs is timely, and the agro materials to be provided will go a long way in complementing what the state government has already put in place for this cropping season and that the early distribution of sufficient farm inputs is a top priority for this administration.

“As an administration, we have prioritized agriculture since inception, having realized that the majority of citizens are involved in some form of farming for both subsistence and commercial purposes.

“We are second to none in the production of rice, sesame, tea, cocoa, root crops like yam, cassava, and cocoyam, as well as grains such as maize, sorghum, millet, and assorted fruits, all due to the early delivery of fertilizer, improved seedlings, and the availability of tractors and other agro-allied inputs.

“Taraba state has the potential to produce beyond its present capacity, and this can be optimized through active collaboration between the state and the federal governments and development partners. I am optimistic that, as a result of the significant progress made so far, more will be accomplished in terms of higher agricultural yields in the coming years.

That the provision of these vital inputs is part of a coordinated response to the social and economic hardship caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, funded by a World Bank loan as a two-year emergency response programme for the poor and vulnerable in society.

He encouraged all beneficiaries of the government’s kind gesture to make optimal utilization of the inputs to expand farmland and, consequently, increase output, and by extension, their standard of living and commended the management of the State Fadama programme for their hard work and consistency in increasing not only agricultural production but also the income of farmers’ cooperatives in the state, which is in line with the Rescue Agenda’s primary goal.

“The Community and Social Development Project CSDP, Special Grant Transfer SGT, and Medium and Small Enterprises MSE are all implementing agencies, and the Fadama III project is one of them.”

“These interventions have not only been well received, but they have also provided much-needed assistance to the less privileged.

Engr. Manu also encouraged Fadama Taraba CARES to step up its efforts to increase farmers’ cultivable land capacity through mechanization and the early provision of necessary inputs like the ones being distributed at this ceremony, stressing that the availability of inputs such as tractors, improved seedlings, and herbicides/pesticides, among others, has significantly reduced the farmer’s reliance on the previously back-breaking, labour-intensive farming practice.

He reassured farmers on government’s will to continue to look out for their best interests when it comes to inputs and markets for their produce, stressing that government is aware of the associated losses and waste that farmers face due to inefficient harvesting and storage methods, which Fadama and other implementing agencies will need to address more aggressively.

Partners were assured of greater collaboration, particularly in counterpart fund commitment and recognition of the state’s enormous achievements to date, which have been attained through such synergies that have transformed Taraba into the country’s top food producer.

Taraba Government Attends Fevick Resources 2021 Rainfed Farmers Field Day

Taraba Government Attends Fevick Resources 2021 Rainfed Farmers Field Day

In his efforts to achieve an accelerated agricultural development to boost the economy of Taraba state, the administration of Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku has collaborated with Fevick Resources to transform rice production in Donga LGA of the state.

The general framework of this market-driven project is geared towards the empowerment of Agripreneurs, particularly women and youths through mechanized rice production system, which provides the best growing conditions to include high yielding variety of seeds, fertilizers, good agricultural production, timely cultivation, efficient harvesting and dry season irrigation potential.

To achieve this project success, Fevick Resources partnered with St. Abda Limited, an agricultural consortium which provides project advisory, development and management services for agricultural transformation in Nigeria.

The farmer’s field day was organized to showcase the performance of all the varieties planted and its efficacy to withstand submergence flood in prone areas and the increased yield per hectare production.

After the field tour assessment of the varieties on display, the representatives of the Taraba state Ministry of Agriculture and Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Sale Pavali commended Fevick Resources and the various farmers groups for their efforts to achieve the ready to be harvested crop yield output.

“The Governor of the state promised to make us millionaires. This is how he will do it. He sent the organization to educate us in upland and lowland best practices in rice farming.”

“Today, the organization came with varieties of high yielding rice that will match the speed of soil texture and improve yields per hectare. The organization also came with other quality inputs such as chemicals that will help eliminate weeds and insects. Research revealed that Nigeria has the capacity to produce over eight million tons of rice per season, but as speak, Nigeria only provides four.

There are potentials in farming, therefore we should utilize the opportunity given to us by the government” he said.

Mr. Pavali added that the government is not limiting the project to only rice production, but wheat production is included and other varieties of crops too.

“We need to be committed to the project by remitting quantities of output in commensurate with the input given to us to enable the organization upscale their activities to dry season irrigation farming.

He also thanked the Gara of Donga, His Royal Highness, Dr. Sanvala for his support for the project by creating awareness among the people of Donga.

Mr. Samuel Adeshina (the Project Coordinator) thanked everyone for honoring the organization’s invitation. He appreciated the people of Donga for their spirit of hospitality. Afterwards, he expressed gratitude for the good output on the field and said, “If you don’t farm, the nation’s food security is at stake. From what I see here, I am happy that we are making progress. Agriculture has to be treated as business. We are aiming at building agriculture in Nigeria therefore; we can make millions out of agriculture.

“The project is also aimed at enhancing sustainable rural agriculture development to enhance community self-sufficiency and enjoy good livelihood wellbeing. A lot has been done and the output will be measured by scaling up to encourage the next phase of farming.”

“The project made provision for insurance in the event of natural disasters and also allows accessibility to finance, credit facilities and inputs. I must commend you for your commitment and want you to be more committed to the project and utilize the opportunities therein”.

The representatives of His Royal Highness, the Gara of Donga, Mr. Binuga Gargea thanked the government of Taraba state and Fevick Resources for the great opportunity to experience improved farm output.

“In recent years, we do have problems in planting and identification of soil texture and also to know the right variety to use. The coming of this organization has helped us a lot by exposing us to better ways of rice farming and the result is impressive. Farming is our occupation in Donga and educating us on a better way of farming is a great achievement to us. The government of Taraba state and Fevick Resource should know that we will be committed to this project and make good use of it” he said.

Beneficiaries of the project at the event through their representatives also expressed gratitude to the Taraba state government for the support. They also thanked Fevick Resources for all the trainings, access to finance; input provision and all that was needed to improve their farm yield in rice farming.

Some called for the provision of tractors for easy farming, while others called for the establishment of Fevick Resources office in Donga. A beneficiary identified some species of weeds that defied all chemical effects and called on the government to provide chemicals that will eliminate them on farmlands.

They pledged to be committed to the project and promised not to disappoint the efforts of the government.

According to a retiree, who is also a beneficiary of the project, “I never thought of going back to farm following the difficulties I had trying. But today, I have joined many in rice farming through the Taraba State Transformational Rice Farming Project”. Hon Jibra JP, who is the Chairman of Chairmen to farmer groups in his remark, urged all beneficiaries to ensure that they meet up with standard of scaling up of outputs from farms to the warehouse.

Another beneficiary said that the coming of this project has awakened them from sleep and that they will make rice farming their business.

In his closing remarks, the Project Manager Mr. Femi Afolabi reiterated that the warehouse is open for scaling up of outputs and that all beneficiaries should visit the warehouse for the process. He also assured farmers that those with good records will be compensated.

“We Will Reposition Agriculture as Bedrock of the Economy in Taraba State” – Gov. Ishaku

“We Will Reposition Agriculture as Bedrock of the Economy in Taraba State” – Gov. Ishaku

Taraba State Governor, Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku has assured that his administration remains resolute in its determination to reposition agriculture as the bedrock of the state’s economy.

Ishaku who spoke in Government House, Jalingo, on Friday during the inauguration of the Governing Council of the College of Agriculture and the swearing in ceremony of the chairman and members of the State Independent Electoral Commission, SIEC, said inspite of the challenges posed by insecurity and communal crises in the state, his administration has made significant progress in repositioning agriculture as a lucrative enterprise.

He said many people in the state were now into farming business on various scales and levels as a result of which Taraba State has joined the league of major producers of rice, maize, beniseed, soya beans and cassava, among others.

He said his government’s efforts in promoting agriculture has resulted in a situation whereby Taraba State is now contributing substantially to the food needs of the country.

The Governor said the ultimate goal of the state is to produce enough rice to meet the needs of the country and save the country the huge expenditure on importation.

He assured that his administration will assist farmers to secure financial assistance from local and international financial institutions to boost food production.

Governor Ishaku urged the Governing Council of the College of Agriculture to key into this policy of government for quicker results and advised the Council of the institution to come up with innovative ideas that can help farmers become more productive.

The Governing Council of the institution is headed by Dr Muhammed Shatta, a former minister.

Turning to the board of SIEC, Governor Ishaku praised the organisation for consistently asserting its independence and for conducting elections that were free, fair and credible.

He urged the commission to remain focused and should not be distracted by false accusations.

The board of SIEC is headed by Dr Phillip Duwe who also spoke on behalf of the two boards that were inaugurated.

Dr Duwe praised the Governor for always being meticulous in the choice of those who work with him and advised him not to listen to gossips.

He said that those of them honoured with these appointments would not disappoint the Governor “because we know that with every responsibility given, there are expectations.”

– By Bala Dan Abu,
Special Adviser to the Governor.
(Media and Publicity)

5 Years Of Ishaku: Taraba Oil Mill Comes Alive

5 Years Of Ishaku: Taraba Oil Mill Comes Alive

BY HASSAN MIJINYAWA.

The Taraba Oil Mills Limited is another success story of the administration of Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State. After lying waste for a very long time, the company is now operational with new milling and processing machines.

The mill’s main plantation and factory, located in Kurmi local government area, has now become the hub of palm oil production in the state. The hitherto moribund factory has been rebuilt and refurbished with bigger workshops for it to handle all the palm fruits that the other government plantations and out-growers can deliver to it for production.

According to the managing director/CEO of Taraba Investment and Properties Limited, Mr. Iliya Ezekiel, the transformed oil mill will be producing about 100 million litres of palm oil a weektranslating into 520 million litres per annum when in full swing.

Government’s plan for Kurmi is to produce enough palm oil for local and international consumption. One of the targets of the state government is to make Taraba oil a household name in Nigeria because of its distinct quality.

About 50 years ago, Malaysia came to Nigeria to take palm tree seedlings. Today, they are the undisputed leader in palm oil production globally while Nigeria’s production capacity continues to decline. Governor Darius Ishaku wants to change that, saying he intends to cover Kurmi, other plantations and parts of Taraba with palm trees so that with time Nigeria can take its rightful place as far as palm oil production is concerned.

The Taraba State government has four otherplantations in Serti, Yaboro, Bisaula and Dakka. They will all serve the Kurmi Oil Mill. For now, about 4,000 palm trees grow in the Baisa plantation. Across the state though, over one million palm trees are in full blossom. In addition, nurseries have been established to serve as feeder for farmers especially the out- growers in Kurmi and other areas. Taraba Oil Mills Limited will begin collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) in Benin City, Edo State in the production of enhanced palm seedlings to give farmers.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently advised the state government to provide more land for the oil company in order to access N1billion credit facility to expand production. This of course, is in line with the drive of the state government to buy most advanced milling machinesfrom Europe to boost production capacity.

The mill will, no doubt, produce enough palm oil to meet local consumption. With one million palm trees from government plantations and out-growers supplying the fruits needed, meeting installed capacity will be easy. Government is encouraging people to plant palm trees in their homes and vacant land as a means of getting a steady supply of palm fruits. The mill will also provide raw materials for other secondary products like palm cake, baskets, brooms and local soap made from palm tree.

Government’s plan to localise oil production at Kurmi is strategic. Aside the convenient weather, the land there is fertile and grows other cash crops like cocoa, coffee, wheat and tea. Government has over 10,000 hectares of land in Kurmi and is planning to do low land teaand coffee production in the near future. It is also planning to establish a cocoa nursery and will start a pilot scheme for wheat production. But for now palm oil is the focus.

Certainly, there is an upsurge in economic activities in Kurmi local government area because of the revival of the Taraba Oil Mills Ltd. Once the mill comes into full production, employment opportunities will increase especially for women who will get about 60 per cent of the jobs available at the mill. The mill in Kurmi is a good example of what can be achieved if political will meets commitment to service, especially with the determination of the current general manager, Mr. Steven Johnson.

– Mijinyawa is the Chief Press Secretary to Taraba State Governor

Seed Distribution: Gov. Ishaku Attends to Victims Affected by Crisis in the State

Seed Distribution: Gov. Ishaku Attends to Victims Affected by Crisis in the State

The Executive Governor, Arch. Darius Dickson Ishaku has flagged off the distribution of seeds by the National Food Security Council Emergency Agricultural Intervention in the state.

The Governor in his remarks said this will go a long way in easing the stress on the victims affected by the crisis.

He said the turn out is impressive and stressed that it is because of the biometric capture of the over 2000 affected people. He said they will be giving the same bags of fertilizers and agro chemicals.

Governor Ishaku said the push for agriculture in his administration has produced a bumper harvest and will strive to consolidate on it and pointed out that he is aware that the driving force of any society is the youths and promised to use his second tenure to empower the youths.

The Governor warned the beneficiaries not to involve themselves in collecting these products and selling them out because he won’t spare anyone found in the act.

He further instructed the security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone found guilty of the act.

Gov. Ishaku thanked the Federal Government for this gesture and assures them of his esteem regards.

Speaking, the Director General NEMA Maj. JO Aina said this distribution is to assist the communities affected by the crisis with the aim at re-stabilising the affected areas rather than continually giving them food.

He thanked the Governor and the state government for their continued support and assistance since they arrived the state.

The event which took place at the premises of the Taraba State Transportation Company (TSTC) Jalingo had the company of the Deputy Governor, Engr. Haruna Manu; the SSG Hon. Anthony Jellason; the Chief of Staff Rt. Hon. Istifanus Gbana and other top government functionaries.

Gov. Ishaku Flags-Off EU OXFAM PROSELL Project

Gov. Ishaku Flags-Off EU OXFAM PROSELL Project

Governor Darius Ishaku has flagged-off the European Union Support for Nutrition and Resilience Project in Taraba.

Gov. Ishaku delivering his speech at the event.

While welcoming the EU ambassador, Mr. Ketil Karlsen and his team to the State, the Governor disclosed that the impact of the European Union’s support to Taraba is a sign that the State is making progress in the agricultural sector and added that it would have a direct bearing on the farmers and their families.

Governor Ishaku revealed that the Government would not rest on its oars in ensuring the goals of the European Union’s investment is strictly adhered to for most profit.

“This Prosell Project is a welcomed development for us in Taraba and I urge our farmers to seize this opportunity to increase their productivity base through the high yielding seedling that will be distributed to the designated areas earmarked for the take off as the much anticipated opportunity to sell your products through a coordinated channel is ready and available”.

He maintained that the gesture of the EU will further enhance cooperation between the State and the agency in economic growth, food security and environmental development.

The Head of Health Nutrition and Resilience section, Mrs. Montserrat Pantaleoni Giralt who is represnting the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, keenly observing the made-in Taraba palm oil. One of the revived moribund companies by Gov. Ishaku’s administration.

The European Union ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Ketil Karl

sen represented by the Head of Health Nutrition and Resilience section, Mrs. Montserrat Pantaleoni Giralt noted that the Union was attracted to Taraba having monitored the massive investment of the Government in the agricultural sector.

This she said was followed by deploying an assessment team to the State for proper evaluation of areas earmarked for the pilot scheme.

“The European Union through the OXFAM agency has been able to cover a lot of ground in ensuring food security and profit to farmers from large scale sales. The 10 million Euros set aside for the first phase of the project is available and the other 10 million will come in the long run”.

The project, according to the Union’s country program director Mr. Temitayo Omole, is targeting about fifty percent of women and thirty percent of the youths as they make up the most important group who will be engaged in the pilot scheme.

He revealed that the project would also train about sixty thousand, five hundred extension workers for easy access to the farmers.

The Commissioner of Agriculture, Dr. David Ishaya who is the convener of the project earlier expressed huge optimism in the project and affirmed that the Government would make sure the farmers get the best possible result from the support of the European Union to boost agricultural growth and increase their output from the quality seeds they would be receiving.

Dr. Ishaya commended the Governor for the investment the agricultural sector has enjoyed so far.