Governor Uba Sani has flagged off the distribution of 500 trucks of free fertilisers and tractors to 150,000 small holder farmers across the 23 local governments of Kaduna state, saying he was doing that for the third consecutive year.
Last August, the governor had distributed 400 trucks of fertilizer free of charge to 100,000 smallholder farmers, with each farmer receiving two bags.
Earlier, he had performed the largest-ever fertilizer distribution in 2024, where over 500 trucks were distributed to farmers, including other inputs, for dry season farming.
Speaking at the latest ceremony at Murtala Mohammed Square Saturday, Governor Sani stated that the distribution of free fertiliser in Kaduna state is “one of the most extensive fertilizer support programmes undertaken by any sub national government in Nigeria.’’
He argued that the objective of Kaduna state government is to ensure that escalating production costs did not translate into reduced cultivation, lower yields or greater food insecurity.
The governor added that he was advised to sell the bags of fertiliser at subsidised prices, adding that ‘for example, if we buy the commodity at N56,000 per bag, we should sell to farmers at N20,000.
He stated that: “N20, 000 is beyond the reach of most small holder farmers. And in any case, big time farmers will buy up the commodity and re-sell at exorbitant prices, thereby negating the essence of subsidy.
‘’Agriculture has become the backbone of Kaduna state’s economy, contributing about 43% to the state’s GDP and employing over 60% to 80% of the active workforce,’’ he said.
The governor who said Kaduna state is the leading producer of maize, tomatoes and ginger, added that “agriculture is far more than an economic sector. It is the meeting point of food security, industrial development, job creation, rural transformation and social stability.’’