Jigawa Gov Condemns Wheat Input Delay, Orders Arrest Of Farmers Leader

By Ayodele Oni

Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi has ordered the arrest of  chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Isyaku Katanga in Kiyawa local government in the state for duping of members.

Katanga was alleged to have increase the price of some farm products meant for the farmers by N2000 which he was collecting from each farmers.

The Governor, who was visiting some farm produce sale Centres in the state, expressed concern over delay and poor arrangements by Agro Dealers assigned to distribute farm inputs for wheat farmers in the state.

Namadi who paid an unscheduled visit to some centers in Birnin Kudu local government area, warned that the state government would not tolerate such attitude.

He, therefore, called on the stakeholders to ensure registered farmers received their allocation in good time so that they would be able to start early preparation for dry season farming of wheat.

Malam Umar Namadi also reiterated government resolve to ensure farmers in the state complement the federal government plans of cultivating about one hundred hectares of wheat during this irrigation farming season.

Namadi also paid an unscheduled visit to Kiyawa local government area were he directed the arrest of the Chairman of AFAN in the area, Isyaku Katanga for illegal increase of N2000 each farmer.

He directed the Divisional Police officer to ensure that money so far collected from the farmers is retrieved.

The Governor also pledged to ensure that full package is given to the registered farmers as directed by the Federal Government.

Some of the farmers expressed gratitude to the state Governor for the concern and pledged to support the state government efforts of assisting the farmers.