The Federal Government has approved an intervention fund of N13 billion for pest control and to ensure uninterrupted agricultural activities during the 2020 farming season.

The Minister of Agricultural and Rural Development, Muhammad Nanono, stated this at the weekend during the launch of the 2020 dry season control of trans boundary pest at Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.

Nanono noted that the present global COVID–19 pandemic and reports of desert locust outbreak in East Africa and the Middle East with the possibility of spillover of the huge locust swarm into West Africa including Nigeria, necessitated the proactive measures, including control of all transboundary pest to ensure uninterrupted food supply in the country.

He noted that the choice of Kebbi State for the flag off is deliberate, in view of the extensive agricultural activities in the state and the immense cooperation and collaboration of the state government in the implementation of agricultural interventions over the years’’.

He lauded Kebbi Governor Abubakar Bagudu and other Governors of the frontline States for their collaboration and cooperation with the ministry towards reducing the effect of the Migratory pests (Quelea birds, Locusts and Grasshoppers) in the 12 States.

Bagudu commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his vision and people orientated policies in the Agricultural sector which he said, would ensure job creation, food security and boost the economy for the betterment of Nigerians.