The senator representing Ebonyi North senatorial district, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, has called on the federal and state governments to ensure the early distribution of fertilisers and other farm inputs to the farmers to ensure the proper and early utilisation of the inputs to achieve bumper harvest in this year’s farming season.
Senator Nwebonyi made the call during his annual thanksgiving service and empowerment programme at Saint Michael Parish, Catholic Church, Isophumini Mbeke Ishieke community in Ebonyi local government area of the state.
Senator Nwebonyi regretted that last year, fertilisers were distributed to farmers between August and September, which he said was the harvest period, and cautioned against late distribution of the farm inputs this farming season.
“Last year, fertilisers were distributed to our rural farmers between August and September. By then, it was meaningless to them because they were already in the harvest period. What will a farmer do with fertiliser in August when harvesting his crops?
“Except for those doing a round season, but for our rural farmers, they expect to get fertilisers between February and March to make judicious use of it.”
He noted that he has concluded arrangements to ensure that he distributes farm inputs to rural farmers between February and May, adding that the farmers in the senatorial zones will soon benefit from his agricultural programme, which he said has contributed to food security in the state.
He noted that since he assumed office as the senator representing Ebonyi North senatorial zone, he has been committed to uplifting the well-being of the people of the zone. He added that his efforts are geared towards alleviating the economic hardship faced by the people, especially rural dwellers.
In an address, Ebonyi State governor Francis Nwifuru reaffirmed his support for Senator Nwebonyi and warned the beneficiaries of his empowerment programmes to make judicious use of the gifts.
Some of the gifts distributed include over 100 motorcycles, 20 minibuses, 20 tricycles, 200 grinding machines, and cash gifts.
He commended Senator Nwebonyi for his effective representation in the National Assembly, pointing out that his emergence as the Ebonyi North senator and senate deputy chief whip of the Red Chambers has brought succour to his constituents.
“Senator Nwebonyi has done creditably well in terms of empowerment, and I will not like anybody to use any of his empowerment items to fight him, especially those of you who may decide to work for his opponents in 2027,” the governor said.
