The Borno State Governor’s wife, Prof. Falmata Babagana Zulum in collaboration with the North East Development Commission (NEDC), has flagged off the distribution of free fertilisers to 1,000 vulnerable women-farmers to boost food security and livelihoods in the state.

Falmata said the farm input distribution initiative is part of efforts of the State government to boost food production through women’s economic empowerment.

The distribution ceremony, held in Maiduguri on Tuesday at the Government House, attracted top government officials, development partners and other key stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, Mrs Falmata Zulum described the farming support as a collaborative effort between her office and the Commission aimed at strengthening food security and improve livelihoods of women engaged in the agricultural sector of the local economy.

“Today’s event is much more than the distribution of agricultural inputs. It also symbolises hope, resilience and our collective commitment to empowering women, strengthening food security and advancing sustainable agricultural development across the state and the North-East,” she said.

She, therefore commended the leadership of the NEDC for supporting the initiative, adding that partnership among institutions are critical to achieving meaningful development.in the state.

According to her, “Agriculture remains the backbone of the state’s economy, with thousands of women playing a significant role in farming, food processing, livestock management and agricultural trade.

“Despite their enormous contributions, many women still face challenges in accessing essential farming inputs. By providing quality fertiliser to these women farmers, we are investing in higher crop yields, improved household incomes and greater economic independenc.”

Mrs Zulum said the intervention comes at a time when farmers are grappling with rising costs of production, and climate-related challenges, describing the access to quality farm inputs as essential for improving productivity and reducing poverty and unemployment in the state.

She added that the agricultural programme aligns with Borno’s agricultural development agenda of Governor Babagana Zulum, which she said has prioritised agricultural transformation through investments in mechanisation, irrigation, extension services and the farmer-support programmes tackle unemployment and poverty in the state.