NG-CARES distributes inputs, SMEs grants to farmers in Enugu

The Nigeria Covid 19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus programme (NG-CARES), has flagged off the distribution of agro inputs to rural farmers in Enugu.

Some of the inputs distributed include power tillers, cassava stems, organic fertilisers and other agricultural inputs to farmers and Agro-entrueprenuers from the 17 local government areas of Enugu State.

Speaking during the distribution, Mr Geoffrey Ezeh, the Acting State Project Coordinator, FADAMA, said FADAMA through NG-Cares, Enugu office distributed free agricultural inputs and assets to 3, 340 farmers in Enugu.

He added that the inputs were part of the Federal Government project under the Nigerian COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus programme aimed at increasing food security in the country.

“2,040 farmers were given Power tillers while 1,300, farmers were given bundles of cassava stem, organic fertilizers and agro- chemicals,” he added.

He stressed that cassava stem being distributed was an improved stem that would withstand harsh weather, diseases and high yielding variety that would lead to bumper harvest.

Ezeh commended Gov. Peter Mbah for his support and vision in agricultural development , saying he had never witnessed such a gesture in Enugu state before.

“His Excellency has done his beat and the beneficiaries had the responsibility to put them to use so that there will be food security in the state,” Eze said.

Ezeh explained that NG-Cares programme had three delivery platforms implementing the NG-Cares across the country.

“These platforms are Result Area 1 for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and Result Area 2 -(Fadama-food security and the Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA).

Also, the Acting General Manager, Enugu State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), Mrs Ugochukwu Ugwunnadi, said the agency was the implementation platform for NG CARES programmes such as community development projects.

She said the community had to bring just the ten per cent of the total cost of the project to be executed in the community by the agency.

She added that CSDA provides financial resources to enhance social transfers, basic services, and livelihood support for impoverished and vulnerable households using the Community-Driven Development approach.