Alhaji Katigi Madugu, the Managing Director of Niger State Agricultural and Mechanisation Development Authority, said only 32,000 farmers out of 145,000, benefitted from the Federal Government's Growth Enhancement Scheme in 2012.

Madugu told newsmen on Monday in Minna, that more farmers would benefit from the scheme after the correction of the lapses observed.

He said out of 250,000 farmers expected to be registered under the scheme, only 145,000 registered while 32,000 filled the form correctly.

He said plans were in place to mobilise farmers in the state, to meet the needed target.

Madugu said the federal and state governments would each contribute 25 per cent, while the benefitting farmers would give 50 per cent of the cost of fertilisers and other farming inputs under the scheme.

Madugu said the agency intended to engage more than 100 new extension workers to complement the existing 296 agents in the state.

He said it would enable the state to meet the standard ratio of an extension worker to 1,200 farmers against the current ratio of 1:800.

Madugu said the agency planned to rehabilitate its three zonal offices in Kuta, Kontagora and Bida.

He added that farmers would get premium services for maximum yied on their farm lands. (NAN)