BNW

B N W: Biafra Nigeria World News

Benue Grapples with Fertiliser Shortfall From Daniel Ior in Makurdi There are fears that the Benue State government may not meet her targeted fertiliser needs for the year 2004 cropping season, following shortages and other disruptions in the supply of the commodity. The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs. Esther Adagi, said out of 240 metric tonnes of fertiliser allocated to the state, only 68 have so far been delivered. The development, according to the commissioner, is causing the state a lot of concern as application of fertiliser to crops has time limits, within which it is useful and effective. The state Governor, Mr George Akume, while receiving members of the House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development recently, blamed late arrival of fertiliser and lack of good subsidy on agriculture as critical factors affecting agricultural production in the country. The committee, which was led by Hon. Albert Aleleja, had said it was in the state to monitor the sales and distribution of fertiliser as well as identify any other problems that are a stumbling block to improved agricultural production in the country. Farmers in the state are also fear-stricken over the development. They are worried because last year similar development led to poor harvests. The government had to refund a total of N18 million to farmers after it could not effect necessary supplies of the commodity, due to shortages in quantity procured and supplied. Crop experts also said the time is running out for timely application of fertiliser on most agricultural crops for the 2004 season. They said for some crops like yams among others application of fertiliser in the month of August would not have any positive impact on yield. Who Are We ? | About THISDAYOnLine.com | THISDAY People | Contact Us © Copyright 2000 Leaders & Company Limited

	BNW News
Voice of Biafra | Biafra World | Biafra Online | Biafra Web | MASSOB | Biafra Forum | BLM | Biafra Consortium
	© 2001 BNW BiafraNigeriaWorld  Privacy Policy ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by ACENetwork ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
	Axiom PSI Yam Festival Series, Iri Ji Nd'Igbo the Kola-Nut Series,Nigeria Masterweb