By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

Hundreds of farmers, widows and vulnerable residents across Kaduna South Senatorial District have received agricultural support ahead of the farming season, with the distribution of five trailer loads of fertiliser and 150 water pumping machines facilitated by Senator Sunday Marshall Katung.

The intervention, which targets beneficiaries from the district’s 87 political wards, is aimed at easing the impact of rising farming costs, boosting food security and improving household incomes in rural communities.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Zonkwa, headquarters of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, on Tuesday, Chairman of the Distribution Committee, Christopher Haruna, said the programme was designed to benefit a wide range of constituents, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, persons living with disabilities, widows and other vulnerable groups.

Haruna said the initiative reflects Senator Katung’s continued commitment to supporting farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity across the eight local government areas in Kaduna South Senatorial District.

According to him, 150 water pumping machines have been set aside to promote dry-season farming, with seven of the eight local government areas receiving 14 machines each in the first phase of the distribution.

He urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the items and avoid selling them, stressing that the intervention was intended to improve livelihoods, increase agricultural output and stimulate economic activities in rural communities.

“Senator Katung is committed to ensuring that the benefits of this intervention reach as many constituents as possible. Those who did not benefit in this phase should remain hopeful as arrangements are underway for subsequent batches,” Haruna said.

He also appealed to residents not captured in the first batch to remain patient, assuring them that additional phases would be implemented to accommodate more beneficiaries across the district.

Some beneficiaries described the intervention as timely, given the rising cost of agricultural inputs and prevailing economic challenges.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Justina Paul, a widow, said the fertiliser support would enable her to cultivate a larger portion of her farmland and better cater for her family.

Similarly, John Kanwai from Zangon Kataf Local Government Area said access to a water pumping machine would significantly improve dry-season farming and reduce dependence on rainfall.

The beneficiaries pledged to use the items for their intended purposes and called for the continuation of similar interventions to support rural farmers and vulnerable members of society.

The distribution exercise is expected to benefit hundreds of farming households across Kaduna South, providing critical support to enhance food production, strengthen food security and improve livelihoods throughout the senatorial district.