…assists Muslim constituents with food items 

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

Jos – To boost agricultural activities in his constituency and ensure improved food production, the Senator representing Plateau Central in the National Assembly, Diket Plang, has procured farming implements worth millions of naira to share among the five local government areas in the Senatorial zone.

Senator Plang who admonished the beneficiaries on the effective use of the farming inputs and equipment, also provided food items to Muslim constituents observing the Ramadan fast.

He said, “I come from one of the most rural communities in Plateau State. I understand the needs of my people because I live among them, interact with them, and know where it pinches the most. I also recognize that even a small intervention in the right area can make a significant difference in their lives.  

“This project is driven by the potential I see in my people. Our region experiences a regular rainy season between May and August, which supports agriculture. However, the long dry season poses challenges. We have an abundance of land and natural water sources, making our environment suitable for both horticulture and irrigation farming.

“To enhance food production and economic opportunities, I sought a way to support my people beyond the rainy season, ensuring they can farm all year round. This initiative is designed to boost agricultural productivity, increase the economic capacity of my people, and help them overcome financial constraints, including the challenges of digital transactions and payment systems.”

He stressed, “To address these concerns, I have provided essential agricultural equipment, including fertilizers and 300 water pumps, to support dry-season farming. These are not just for 300 individual farmers. Many communities practice cooperative farming, where multiple farmers work together.

“A single pump can serve a group of ten farmers or an entire farming cluster, ensuring that more people benefit. My hope is that this will encourage communal cooperation among irrigation farmers, enabling them to work together to maximize production. These might seem like small contributions, but they are strategic efforts aimed at improving the livelihoods of my people.”

Other items provided included POS machines, grinding machines, hair dryers, hair clippers, 100 industrial grinding machines for food processing, rice, guinea corn, etc.