The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has donated 22,528 litres of liquid gel fertiliser to victims of 2018 conflict in Taraba.
Hajia Zubaida Umar, Director General of NEMA made the donation on Friday during the Handing over of the approved Liquid Gel Fertiliser under the National Food Security Council to farmers affected by 2018 conflict in Taraba.
Umar, represented by Alhaji Aminu Ringim, Director of Finance and Accounts in NEMA said that the 22,528 litres of Liquid Gel Fertilizer (LGF) was the balance of the fertiliser meant for Taraba State under the National Food Security Council – Emergency Agricultural Intervention (NFSC – EAI) for states affected by 2018 conflicts.
She said that the liquid gel fertiliser was being supplied as replacement for balance of NPK fertiliser approved for Taraba under the NFSC – EAI for states affected by 2018 conflicts.
She recalled that NEMA had commenced distribution of NPK fertiliser to affected farmers in Taraba in 2020.
Umar however, said that the exercise was not concluded due to the changes in the regulations by the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFl) which led to the termination of the contract between NEMA and the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) for the supply of NPK fertiliser to beneficiaries’ states.
“Following this termination of the contract for the supply of NPK fertiliser and based on recommendations from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), NEMA commenced the process of seeking approval to substitute from Granular Powder Fertiliser to Liquid Gel Fertiliser.
“You are kindly to note that One (1) Litre of Liquid Gel Fertilizer is equivalent to 50Kg of NPK 20-10-10 fertilizer.
“NEMA therefore, commenced the process of procuring the Liquid Gel Fertiliser from certified and licensed suppliers of Liquid Gel Fertilizers.
” The process which commenced in 2022 was concluded in February 2024 following approval by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda with the intention that the Liquid Gel Fertiliser will reach the beneficiaries before the expiration of the cropping season.
“It is noteworthy that the approval of Mr President was on account of the efforts of H.E Vice President Kashim Shettima GCON to ensure that all beneficiary states receive the balance of fertilizer due to them” she said.
In his remarks, Gov Agbu Kefas of Taraba thanked the Federal Government for the intervention.
Kefas, represented by Mr Saviour Nuku, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Special Duties gave assurance that the items would be delivered to the targeted beneficiaries.
DailySun
