Katung distributes fertiliser, water pumps to boost farming in Kaduna South

Senator representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, Sunday Marshall Katung, has commenced the distribution of five trailer loads of fertiliser and 150 water pumping machines to farmers and vulnerable residents across the district.

The intervention is aimed at supporting agricultural production, reducing the impact of rising farming costs and improving livelihoods in rural communities.

Speaking during the flag-off of the distribution exercise in Zonkwa, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, Chairman of the Distribution Committee, Mr Christopher Haruna, said beneficiaries were drawn from the district’s 87 political wards.

Haruna said the programme was designed to accommodate different categories of residents, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, widows, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

He explained that the intervention formed part of the senator’s efforts to promote food security and support farmers across the eight local government areas in Kaduna South Senatorial District.

According to him, 150 water pumping machines have been provided to encourage dry-season farming and improve access to irrigation facilities.

Haruna disclosed that in the first phase of the exercise, seven of the eight local government areas would receive 14 pumping machines each.

He urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the items and refrain from selling them, stressing that the intervention was intended to improve agricultural productivity and household incomes.

Haruna also appealed to constituents who were not captured in the current phase to remain patient, assuring them that additional batches of distribution were being planned.

“Senator Katung remains committed to ensuring that more constituents benefit from the programme in subsequent phases,” he said.

Some beneficiaries who spoke with our correspondent described the support as timely in view of increasing costs of agricultural inputs.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Justina Paul, a widow, said the fertiliser would enable her to cultivate more farmland and support her family.

Similarly, Mr John Kanwai from Zangon Kataf Local Government Area said the water pumping machine would improve dry-season farming and reduce reliance on rainfall.

The beneficiaries pledged to utilise the items for the intended purposes and called for sustained interventions to support rural farmers and vulnerable groups.

The distribution is expected to benefit hundreds of households and contribute to improved food production across communities in Kaduna South Senatorial District.