By Aminu Gambo Adamu
Farmers in Bauchi State have been urged to form cooperative societies to ease access to loans for farming activities and enhance food security across the country.
They were also advised to open accounts with the Bank of Agriculture to benefit from various government intervention programmes.
The Programme Manager of the Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme (BSADP), Malam Yau Muhammad, gave the advice during a monthly sensitization programme for farmers at Zongoro village in Ganjuwa Local Government Area.
He explained that forming cooperatives and opening bank accounts would enable farmers to access more support and improve their productivity.
Malam Yau Muhammad further urged farmers to prepare ahead of the upcoming rainy season, noting that early planning ensures high yield.
Meanwhile,the Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme (BSADP) says it is intensifying efforts to equip farmers with modern farming techniques to improve productivity and address emerging challenges such as climate change.
The Manager BSADP Central Zone, Ahmad Abubakar, stated this during a sensitization programme in Zongoro village, Ganjuwa Local Government Area, explaining that the initiative was designed to educate farmers on best agricultural practices.
In a presentation, Hassan Yaribe disclosed that the Federal Government has put in place measures to support farmers with modern inputs and loans.
A farm expert, Yunusa Muhammad Shuaibu, also advised farmers to use improved seeds, maintain soil fertility, and adopt crop rotation to prevent diseases and boost yields, while cautioning against harmful practices such as bush burning.
Also speaking, the Director Technical of BSADP, Rafilawus Yohana, called on farmers to embrace modern farming methods to tackle the effects of climate change.
Speaking onbehalf of the benefiting communities, the District Head of Yali, Abdullahi Iliyasu, commended BSADP for the initiative and appealed for its expansion to other local government areas.
